Detection of terrorist funding channel in Surankot of Poonch district is not a solitary case in sight. Earlier also, instances of civilians running the errands of terrorists and becoming conduits in transfer of havala and other monies have come to light. Terrorism in the State is funded by many sources, private as well as organizational. There is a large Diaspora in Saudi Arabia, Gulf and in western countries. Many among them are deeply committed to armed insurgency in Kashmir. Some of them are linked to ISI overtly or covertly, and some are engaged in transferring monies individually through their respective havala contacts. We have been hearing of hawala contacts and their clandestine operations through our law enforcing organizations. But with each instance the assurance flows from the Government that the menace is being nipped in the bud. The truth is that money transferring is a widespread network not in the control of any one person or organization.
The disclosure made by one Qaisar Mir of Surankot that hawala funding comes from Saudi Arabia is just the tip of the iceberg. Saudi jihadi organizations have a world-wide programme of spreading the message of jihad. They are more active in countries like India where there is a sizeable population supporting their activities but the state is run along secular and democratic lines. Al-Rabita based in Riyadh has been known as the prime funding agency for fundamentalist movement throughout the world. Kashmiri militants have made good use of this source of funding. Apart from that there are donors in Gulf countries, Dubai, Sharja, Qatar, Abu Dhabi etc. where foreigners especially Indians and Pakistanis are employed in large numbers. Some of them have also become subscribers to hawala money.
The case of Qaisar Mir of Surankot is nothing unusual as far as transfer of money is concerned. But there are two revealing factors that invite our attention. One is that GA Mir of Surankot, who had gone over to Pakistan in 1991 to receive training and had returned and indulged in militant activities was arrested, put in jail and then released in 1994. Under what circumstances was he released and on what conditions is not known. Obviously, state intelligence sources should have kept him under strict surveillance and monitored his movements. This has not been done so much so that he could induct his son Qaiser into militancy profession and then become the conduit for transfer of monies. They are reported to have opened account in the Surankot bank. How come the bank authorities and the income tax authorities did not detect huge amounts being poured in his saving bank account? Secondly our intelligence functionaries in the area have slept over this person becoming active and forming the JK Peoples Movement organization whose chief is in Pakistan and they are acting in the State on his behalf. Why was not this unearthed at its proper time and why was not necessary action taken to forestall its clandestine activities? These are serious lapses. It encourages other actors also to carry on with their clandestine transactions. Another sordid part of this revelation is that Qaisr has been conducting his nefarious activities under the cover of his membership of the so-called Hurriyat Conference (M). By what has been reported in the media, there remains little doubt to believe that the Hurriyat Conference promotes and protects the underground terrorist organizations by going them a cover.
Lastly it has to be said that Surankot has become one of the most favoured places of the terrorists and separatists to conduct their clandestine activities. Security and Border Security Forces need to accelerate their surveillance of this area and trace the trail of pro-militancy elements. Civil administration authorities and functionaries should be taken on board in conducting a thorough search and investigation into this case so that the network is exposed and busted.
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