Shopian, Nov 18
The NIA/UAPA Court for Kulgam and Shopian has convicted Towseef Ahmed Thokar, son of Mohammad Yousaf Thokar of Khawajapora Reban, Zainapora, in the 2021 Imam Sahab encounter
The case was registered under FIR No. 25/2021 at Police Station Imam Sahab.
The court as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC found that Towseef guilty under Sections 16, 18, and 20 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Section 307 of the IPC, and Section 7/27 of the Arms Act. The matter was listed for sentencing on November 17, after which he was awarded six years of imprisonment.
The case pertains to the encounter of May 5, 2021, in Imam Sahab, Shopian, where three terrorists Danish Ahmed Mir, Zahid Bashir, and Umar Hassan Bhat were killed. Towseef was apprehended alive from the encounter site along with arms and ammunition.
The investigation was carried out by DySP Mohd Ashrif Lissery (JKPS), then DySP Operations Imam Sahab and presently SDPO Magam. The court praised the investigation team and prosecution for presenting strong and credible evidence that withstood judicial scrutiny.
Special Judge Parvaiz Iqbal, while delivering the judgment, noted that given the rising threat of terrorism, courts must adopt a firm approach toward acts that threaten national security, while upholding constitutional safeguards and ensuring a fair trial.
“The prosecution has successfully proved all charges beyond reasonable doubt,” the judgment states, adding that Towseef stands convicted of attempted murder, illegal possession of arms, committing a terrorist act, conspiracy, and membership of a terrorist organisation.
The judgment was pronounced in open court in the virtual presence of the accused, the Public Prosecutor and the defence counsel. A free copy was provided to the convict immediately.
