NIA opposes bail relaxation for PDP's Waheed Para
Srinagar, June 14 (UNI) The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has strongly opposed a plea filed by MLA and People's Democratic Party (PDP) leader Waheed Para seeking relaxation of his bail conditions.
In a detailed objection submitted to the Special NIA Court in Jammu, the anti-terror agency said Para's plea is not maintainable and needs to be dismissed as 'intention of the applicant/ accused is to flee from the clutches of law.'
PDP's Para is leader of the Legislature Party in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. Parra had been jailed for around 19 months under sections of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act in 2020 and was released on bail by the J&K High Court in 2021.
While granting bail, Para was directed not to leave the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir without the prior written permission of the court during the period of bail.
Para, who represents the Pulwama assembly segment, was one of three legislators from the party who won the elections last year.
The MLA had pleaded before the court that he may be allowed to travel to any part of the country citing his constitutional obligation as a legislator.
'Trial in the instant case is being conducted expeditiously on regular basis. There is a strong apprehension that the applicant/ accused would misuse the liberty and may not come back to face the proceedings in relation to chargesheet that has already been filed,' the NIA said in its objections.
The NIA said that the investigations have revealed that the accused Parra 'entered into the conspiracy with other co-accused for raising funds to procure arms and ammunition for terrorists of the banned terrorist organisation Hizb-ulMujahideen and Lashkar-e-Taiba, operating in Kashmir valley.'
'Besides, Waheed Para extended financial support to the separatist leaders for furtherance of secessionist activities,' the anti terror body told the Court.
'The said bail conditions in no way prevents the accused from discharging his constitutional duties as an elected MLA,' NIA said 'In the event that his presence is specifically required outside the Union Territory of J&K in furtherance of any constitutional obligation, the court may consider such requests on a case-to-case basis'.
The NIA said that based on the evidence that came on record, charges in the court have been framed under section 120B of the IPC, sections 17, 18, 39 & 40 of the UA(P)Act in December 2022.
The NIA, while praying for dismissal of Parra's application, said that he is 'not a law abiding person and is involved in serious offences related to national security'.
The Special NIA Court is yet to pronounce its order on the application.
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