Farooq Ahmed Dar

Farooq Ahmed Dar in 1988, was taken across LoC to Pakistan-administered Kashmir by the then JKLF chief commander Ashfaq Majeed Wani for armed training. Dar was blindfolded and then taken to Pakistan-administered Kashmir along with other "trainees" where they received 32 day armed training in state-sponsored Pakistani terrorist training camp.

Farooq Ahmad Dar 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 ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits.[6] His first victim was a young businessman Satish Kumar Tickoo, who was his close friend. Tickoo was shot by Dar in front of his house.[7] He apparently used to get orders (for execution) from Ashfaq Majeed 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.[8] He used pistols to kill individuals (civilians) and AK-47 to attack and fire at Indian Security Forces. He admitted to killing between at least 20 people or more in 1990 during the insurgency.[6] The convener of Panun Kashmir has accused him of publicly proclaiming killing 42 Hindus.[3][7] Dar himself had stated in a video that he had killed 20 Kashmiri Hindus.[6] He however later claimed that he didn't kill any Pandit and the statement was made under duress.[9]

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 terrorism cases against 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.[3][5][7][8][10]

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.[8][10] He was initially granted bail for four months against a bail bond and personal surety of ₹1 lakh (equivalent to ₹2.6 lakh or US$3,624.10 in 2019) 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. 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.[3][10]

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.”[8]

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

National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested him again in 2019 on new charges of terror funding.[4] NIA has charged Dar, Sayeed Salahudeen, and others of "conspiring to wage war against the government" and fomenting trouble in the Kashmir Valley.[4] His co-accused is Hizbul Mujahideen's head Sayeed Salahudeen.[4] Hizbul Mujahideen has been designated as a terrorist group by India,[11] the European Union,[12] and the United States,[13] yet continues to operate freely within Pakistan.[14] Sayeed Salahudeen is on India's NIA Most Wanted list,[15] and has been named as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist by the US Department Of State.[16][17]