Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 25: Former president of the Kashmir Bar Association, Mian Abdul Qayoom, was today arrested for his alleged involvement in the murder conspiracy of advocate Babar Qadri.
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Qayoom was arrested after the State Investigation Agency (SIA) conducted investigations into the case. He was associated with the All Party Hurriyat Conference and Jamaat-e-Islami. Qadri was shot dead at his residence in the Hawal area of the old city in September 2020.
Qadri in his various speeches and posts on social media, had questioned the legitimacy and role of Qayoom.
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In a video on September 24, 2020 – the day of his murder – Qadri alleged that Qayoom used militant threats and forced his rivals to withdraw from Bar Association elections.
An official said that Qayoom has been accused of using intimidation, threats, protests and violence to maintain control over the Bar Association.
“During the investigation, Qayoom emerged as the primary suspect behind the murder conspiracy. He was later shifted to Jammu where he will be produced before a designated court on Wednesday”, he said.
In January, the High Court transferred the case to a Jammu court from Srinagar, saying: “For a fair and impartial trial of a criminal case, it is imperative that the witnesses are in a position to depose in an atmosphere, which is free and not hostile.”
The High Court order came on an application moved by the SIA, saying no lawyer from Srinagar was willing to render legal assistance due to the involvement of some influential lawyers based in Srinagar.
In August 2022, the police conducted searches at Qayoom’s residences and those of two other lawyers in Srinagar, seizing various digital devices, bank statements and documents, as part of the ongoing probe.
Last September, the SIA announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh for any information leading to solving Qadri’s murder.
The police had alleged the involvement of Saqib Manzoor, a Lashkar-e-Toiba commander, in Qadri’s killing. Manzoor was killed during a police encounter in Srinagar alongside another militant commander in 2022.
Qayoom is also facing probe in various cases, including alleged grabbing of temple land. He is named as an accused in five criminal cases.
Throughout his career, Qayoom has been a vocal proponent of Kashmir’s merger with Pakistan, utilising tactics such as intimidation, protests and violence to further his agenda.
Qayoom has consistently pushed for separatist ideals, leading protests and making inflammatory statements against the Government.
His involvement in various controversial incidents, including the Amarnath land row and allegations against security forces, have stirred up tensions and contributed to a volatile atmosphere in the region.
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