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A special court of the National Investigation Agency in Jammu and Kashmir has ordered the attachment of property belonging to US-based Kashmiri lobbyist Ghulam Nabi Shah alias Dr Fai. The court directed the seizure of more than 1.5 kanals of land located in the Wadwan and Chattabugh villages of Budgam district. The district administration has been instructed to take immediate possession of the property. This order is being seen as a significant legal step in cases linked to anti-national activities.
As per the court order, one kanal and two marlas of land in Wadwan village and eleven marlas of land in Chattabugh village will be attached. The total area exceeds 8,100 square feet. The court has directed that proper identification and demarcation of the land must be ensured before taking possession. Revenue and police officials will assist in the process. The entire procedure will be carried out strictly under legal provisions.
Assistant Public Prosecutor Mohammad Iqbal Rather informed the court that Dr Fai had already been declared a proclaimed offender. A case under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act was registered against him in 2020. The court had earlier issued a notice asking him to appear, but he failed to respond within the stipulated 30-day period. Based on this, the court allowed the attachment of his property.
Dr Fai is a resident of Budgam district in Jammu and Kashmir. Investigating agencies say he is a supporter of the banned Jamaat-e-Islami. He is also believed to be a close associate of Syed Salahuddin, the chief of the designated terrorist organisation Hizbul Mujahideen. Dr Fai has been accused of supporting terrorist activities in India. Due to these allegations, he has remained under the scanner of security agencies for years.
Dr Fai once served as the director of the Washington-based Kashmiri American Council. He projected the organisation as an independent platform highlighting alleged human rights abuses in Kashmir. However, in 2011, an FBI investigation revealed that the organisation was acting as a front for Pakistan’s ISI. US authorities established that over two decades, Dr Fai received at least 3.5 million dollars from ISI to influence American policy on Kashmir.
In 2012, a federal court in Virginia convicted Dr Fai of conspiracy and tax violations, sentencing him to two years in prison. During the trial, prosecutors stated that he had falsely claimed to hold a doctoral degree. This fake credential was allegedly used for decades to gain credibility in political and academic circles. The US court treated this as a serious case of fraud and deception.
The NIA court’s order sends a clear signal that individuals sitting abroad and conspiring against India will not be spared. Properties of absconding accused will not remain protected. Investigating agencies are now focusing on breaking the financial backbone of terror networks. This action is being seen as crucial for national security. The message from authorities is unambiguous: anti-national activities will invite strict consequences.