SRINAGAR Hurriyat Conference (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Monday again decided not to appear before the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in New Delhi, citing hostility and a threat to his life.
A spokesman o the amalgam said that Mirwaiz has sent a reply to the NIA summons dated March 14, asking him to come to New Delhi on March 18.
Through his counsel, Mirwaiz has reiterated that he is willing to cooperate in the matter but has asked for the venue for examination to be shifted from Delhi to Srinagar.
Mirwaiz has reiterated concerns and apprehensions regarding travel to New Delhi, stating that under the prevailing conditions of hostility and threat to the Mirwaiz, it becomes unwise for him to travel to New Delhi.
Under the prevailing conditions of hostility and threat to the Mirwaiz, it becomes unwise for him to travel to New Delhi, said Aijaz Ahmad Dar, the Mirwaizs lawyer, in a written reply to the NIA.
The NIA had issued a fresh summons to the Mirwaiz last week. You [the Mirwaiz] are acquainted with the circumstances of a case under investigation… You are required to report before the NIA on March 118 for examination, the NIA notice reads.
In its response, the Mirwaizs lawyer on Monday said, The Mirwaiz was willing to cooperate with the NIA in Srinagar…
It appears that the genuine concerns which has been mentioned in the earlier response dated 10-3-2019 have not been considered objectively, advocate Dar said, adding, I reiterate that my client is not refusing to be examined in connection with the subject matter of some investigation, he said, adding, My client (Mirwaiz) has serious concerns about his safety. The Security (Z-plus category) which was provided earlier to your knowledge was withdrawn unilaterally for reasons too well known.
He said unsubstantiated attempts are being made to link the Mirwaiz in false and fabricated terror funding cases. Its aimed at silencing him through intimidation and harassment. He is being victimised for his political views to see a resolution of the Kashmir issue through peaceful means, he said.
The NIA summons had sparked streets protests and a shutdown in Srinagar. J&Ks two main regional parties, Peoples Democratic Party and National Conference, also accused the Centre of arm twisting of the religious figure and “attacking the religious identity of the State by summoning the Mirwaiz”.
Mirwaizs counsel said on several occasions earlier, many persons have been examined by the Agency at Humhama Budgam while conducting investigation. There is no reason why his client cannot be examined in similar manner.
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