A National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Jammu has issued a fresh non-bailable warrant against Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Hafiz Saeed for allegedly supplying weapons, funds and directions to terrorists operating in Kashmir.
This is the second non-bailable warrant issued against Saeed by the NIA court within two months.
The special judge of the NIA court passed the order on September 8 after hearing the prosecution's arguments and examining the material submitted by the investigating agency.
The court observed that Saeed's involvement had surfaced during the investigation and that he was allegedly involved in terrorism.
The judge noted that the accused was at large and that the investigating agency had been unable to secure his attendance through ordinary means. The court subsequently allowed the application and issued a general non-bailable warrant of arrest against him.
The warrant has been forwarded to the Deputy Inspector General (DIG), NIA Jammu, for execution in accordance with the procedure prescribed under law.
Hafiz Saeed wanted in Kashmir terror cases
Hafiz Saeed is the founder of the Pakistan-based proscribed terror organisation Lashkar-e-Taiba and remains one of India's most-wanted terrorists.
The NIA has been pursuing legal action against him in connection with alleged cross-border terror conspiracies and attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. Indian agencies have accused Saeed of playing a role in providing financial support, weapons and directions to terrorist operatives.
Saeed has remained in Pakistan despite repeated efforts by Indian authorities to secure his custody.
Pakistan says Saeed is serving jail term
Pakistan has maintained that the 76-year-old Saeed is serving multiple prison sentences at Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore following convictions by an anti-terrorism court in terror-financing cases.
Indian intelligence agencies, however, have continued to allege that elements within Pakistan's establishment have protected Saeed from facing wider accountability for his alleged role in terrorism.
Saeed remains listed as a global terrorist by the United Nations. The United States has also announced a $10 million reward for information leading to his arrest or conviction.
The latest NIA warrant is part of the agency's continued efforts to pursue individuals accused of involvement in cross-border terrorism and attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.
