Farooq Ahmed Dar

Farooq Ahmed Dar
Native name فاروق احمد ڈار
Born Srinagar
Residence Srinagar
Nationality Indian
Other names Bitta Karate
Citizenship Indian
Years active 1990-date
Organization Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front
Known for Serial killing of Kashmiri Hindus during ethnic cleansing in 1990.
Home town Guru Bazar, Srinagar
Criminal charge Violation of Public Safety Act.
Criminal penalty Pending
Criminal status Released on bail.
Family Fatima (mother)
Assbah Arzoomand Khan (wife)

Farooq Ahmed Dar (Urdu: فاروق احمد ڈار‎), also known by his nom de guerre Bitta Karate, is the current chairman of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front, and a former Kashmiri militant who allegedly killed many Kashmiri Hindus and took part in the 1990 ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Hindus.[1] He was imprisoned under terrorism-related charges from 1990 until 2006.

Early life

Farooq Ahmed Dar was born in the late 1960s (exact date of birth unknown) in Guru Bazar in Srinagar. "Bitta" being his pet name, Dar was given suffix nickname "Karate" because of his mastery in martial arts. Farooq Ahmed Dar used to work for his family business and in his early 20s, he left his home to become a militant.[2]

Militant training in Pakistan-administered Kashmir

Farooq Ahmed Dar in 1988, was taken across LoC to Pakistan-administered Kashmir by the then JKLF chief commander Ashfaq Majeed Wani for militant training. Dar was blindfolded and then taken to Pakistan-administered Kashmir along with other "trainees" where they received 32 day training for anti India activities and for insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir.

Participation in the 1990 ethnic cleansing of Hindus

Farooq Ahmad Dar allegedly spread terror with his return from arms training in Pakistani Kashmir in 1990s. He was imprisoned for killings of Kashmiri Hindus and had participated in their ethnic cleansing.[3] The alleged killings created a fear psychosis among the Kashmiri Hindus, leading to their mass-migration from Kashmir.[4] His first alleged victim was a young businessman Satish Kumar Tickoo, who was also a RSS member. Tickoo was shot by Dar in front of his house.[5] He apparently used to get orders (for execution) from Ishfaq Majid Wani or other superiors in JKLF. Dar would also walk armed on the streets of Srinagar in search of Kashmiri Hindus and on spotting, he would take out his pistol and shoot at them.[6] He used pistols to kill individuals (civilians) and AK-47 to attack and fire at Indian Security Forces. He is accused of killing between at least 20 people to more than 30 Hindus in 1990 during the insurgency. The convener of Panun Kashmir has accused him of publicly proclaiming killing 42 Hindus.[5][4] Dar himself had stated in a video that he had killed 20 Kashmiri Hindus.[3] He however later claimed that he didn't kill any Pandit and the statement was made under duress.[7]

Arrest and Detention

Farooq Ahmed Dar along with his two associates, was arrested by Border Security Force on 22 Jun 1990 from Srinagar. He was arrested and detained under the Public Safety Act and had 19 militancy related cases on him. He remained under detention for 16 years and was released on indefinite bail in Oct 2006. Dar was in detention in various prisons in India in different states. He served time in Kot Bhalwal Jail in Jammu, District Jail in Kathua, Central Jail in Jodhpur, Central Jail in Agra etc. Although demanded by Dar and his family, throughout his detention he was never shifted to a jail in Kashmir Valley.[8][6][2][5][4]

Indefinite bail and release

On 23 Oct 2006, a court enforcing Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA court) in Jammu granted bail to Dar and he was handed over to his family on 25 Oct 2006.[9][6] He was initially granted bail for four months against a bail bond and personal surety of ₹1 lakh (equivalent to ₹2.3 lakh or US$3,184.80 in 2017) each. Dar was released after spending 16 years in jail. His detention under the Public Safety Act was quashed by the Supreme Court of India before his release from jail. Even though his release was condemned by several Kashmiri Pandit organizations, Dar got a warm reception from his supporters in Kashmir. Large number of supporters assembled at his house where flower petals and confetti was showered on him. Then, Dar was taken out in a procession to an Eidgah where prayers were offered.[8][4]

While dictating verdict, judge remarked:

When releasing Farooq Ahmed Dar on bail in 2006, the TADA court judge N.D. Wani remarked; “The court is aware of the fact that the allegations against the accused are of serious nature and carry a punishment of death sentence or life imprisonment but the fact is that the prosecution has shown total disinterest in arguing the case.”[6]

Political career

Upon release from detention, Dar joined Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (R) where he worked his way up to taking the post of its chairman.

References

  1. ↑ Pandita, Rahul (2013), Our Moon Has Blood Clots: The Exodus of the Kashmiri Pandits, Random House India, pp. 45–, ISBN 978-81-8400-390-1
  2. 1 2 "The Verdict Violated". kashmirnewz.com. Retrieved 1 Jun 2016.
  3. 1 2 "When JKLF leader Bitta Karate admitted to killing 20 Kashmiri Pandits". India Today. 22 May 2017.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "Butcher Of Pandits Back In Kashmir Hometown". DNA India. Retrieved 1 Jun 2016.
  5. 1 2 3 "A Cry For Kashmiri Pandits From Down South". The Hindu. Retrieved 1 Jun 2016.
  6. 1 2 3 4 "The Pathology of Oversight". caravanmagazine.in. Retrieved 1 Jun 2016.
  7. ↑ "India Today impact: NIA moves Hurriyat leaders Bitta Karate, Ghazi Baba to unknown location for interrogation". India Today. 25 May 2017.
  8. 1 2 "Bitta Karate jail and bail". oneindia.com. Retrieved 1 Jun 2016.
  9. ↑ "Bitta Karate jail and bail". oneindia.com. Retrieved 1 Jun 2016.
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