||Black and White Digital News||

||Parvinder Singh June 26, 2024||

Srinagar :In a significant turn of events, the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday arrested Mian Qayoom, the former president of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association, for his alleged involvement in the murder conspiracy of advocate Babar Qadri. This arrest, rooted in extensive investigations by the State Investigation Agency (SIA), has sent shockwaves through the legal community and beyond.

Qayoom, widely known for his close ties with pro-Pakistan separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, was apprehended after the SIA gathered substantial evidence pointing to his involvement in the conspiracy. This high-profile arrest marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing investigation into Qadri’s tragic death.

A Fatal Day in Downtown Srinagar…

Babar Qadri, a prominent human rights advocate and frequent television debate participant, was fatally shot at his residence in the Hawal area of downtown Srinagar in September 2020. This violent act occurred just two years after Qadri had narrowly survived an earlier assassination attempt in 2018. The brutality of his murder underscored the perilous environment in which outspoken advocates like Qadri operate.

Qayoom’s Alleged Role Unveiled…

Officials disclosed that Qayoom emerged as the primary suspect during the investigation. The connection between Qayoom and the case is particularly significant given his status as the father-in-law of Justice Javed Iqbal Wani, a judge at the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court. This familial link has added another layer of complexity to the already intricate case.

The Special Investigation Team and the SIA’s Role…

Following Qadri’s murder, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was promptly formed to probe the incident. However, the case was later transferred to the SIA for a more thorough examination. In August 2022, the police conducted searches at Qayoom’s residences and those of two other lawyers in Srinagar. These searches resulted in the seizure of various digital devices, bank statements, and documents, contributing to the mounting evidence against Qayoom.

In a further effort to resolve the case, the SIA announced a reward of Rs 10 lakh last September for information leading to the apprehension of Qadri’s killers. This incentive highlighted the authorities’ determination to bring justice for Qadri and his family.

A History of Tension and Conflict…

Qadri was known for his vocal criticism of the bar association leadership, particularly targeting Qayoom. Just days before his murder, Qadri posted a video on Facebook accusing Qayoom of stifling dissent and turning the bar association into a mouthpiece for Geelani’s Hurriyat Conference faction. These accusations, combined with Qadri’s fears for his safety, painted a picture of a deeply divided legal community.

Militant Involvement and Legal Maneuverings…

The police had previously alleged that Saqib Manzoor, a commander of the militant group Lashkar-e-Taiba, was involved in Qadri’s killing. Manzoor was subsequently killed in a police encounter in Srinagar in 2022, alongside another militant commander. This intersection of militant activities and legal strife has added a volatile element to the case.

Earlier this year, in a bid to ensure a fair and impartial trial, the high court transferred the case from Srinagar to Jammu. The court emphasized the need for a non-hostile environment where witnesses could testify freely. This decision followed an application by the SIA, which cited the reluctance of Srinagar-based lawyers to provide legal assistance due to the involvement of influential local lawyers.

A Legal Battle Continues…

As the case against Qayoom progresses, the legal community and the public alike await further developments. The arrest of such a prominent figure underscores the complexities and dangers inherent in the legal and political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. For now, the focus remains on achieving justice for Babar Qadri and unraveling the full extent of the conspiracy that led to his untimely death.