Property of Former Bar Association Chief Mian Abdul Qayoom Attached Under UAPA in Srinagar – Alfaaz – The Words

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Police Headquarters has ordered the attachment of the residential property of former President of the J&K High Court Bar Association, Mian Abdul Qayoom, under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The action has been taken through Order No. 4340 of 2025, issued by the office of the Director General of Police (DGP) J&K, and signed by DGP Nalin Prabhat on November 12. The order follows an investigation into a case registered at Police Station Shaheed Gunj under FIR No. 157/2009, invoking Sections 120, 120-B, 121, and 153-A of the RPC, along with Sections 13, 38, and 39 of the UAPA.

The case pertains to a seminar held on December 31, 2009, at Hotel Jahangir in Srinagar, reportedly organized on the death anniversary of Muhammad Ali Jinnah by separatist leaders. The event was allegedly organized by Feroz Ahmad Khan, then vice-chairman of the Muslim League, and attended by several prominent figures, including Aasia Andrabi, Shabir Ahmad Najar, and Mian Abdul Qayoom.

According to the order, participants in the seminar allegedly delivered anti-national speeches, raised slogans against the sovereignty and integrity of India, and advocated for the secession of Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that “the future of Kashmir depends upon Pakistan.”

During the investigation, statements from witnesses reportedly corroborated these allegations. The inquiry also revealed that Qayoom’s residential premises were used for concealing incriminatory material. A subsequent search of his residence at Bulbul Bagh, Barzulla, Srinagar, conducted under a court-issued warrant, reportedly led to the recovery of banned literature, a blank letterhead and seal of Hizbul Mujahideen, a press note issued by the banned outfit, and a letter from Hizbul chief Syed Salahuddin addressed to then U.S. President Bill Clinton.

The police further claim that a seal impression of Hizbul Mujahideen in Urdu was also recovered in the presence of an Executive Magistrate and independent witnesses.

Citing these findings, the investigation invoked Sections 38 and 39 of the UAPA, relating to membership, support, or association with a banned organization. The two-storeyed house, situated on 2 kanals, 1 marla, and 90 square feet of land, is registered under mutation number 338 in Qayoom’s name and has been classified as “proceeds of terrorism” under Section 2(g) of the UAPA.

The order, issued under Section 25 of the UAPA, authorizes the attachment of the said property “in accordance with due legal process and based on credible evidence collected during investigation.”