Just a day after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrested seven separatist leaders in Kashmir for being allegedly involved in terror funding cases, a senior BJP leader said that separatist leaders Syed Ali Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq should be investigated for alleged money laundering activities to create “unrest” in the Kashmir Valley.

“The arrest of the separatist leaders will decrease unrest in the valley created and funded by Pakistan,” BJP MP and former Union Home Secretary RK Singh has said.

“There have been many discussions regarding this topic, but there was no effect, and it is noted that the unrest in the valley increases after discussions with Pakistan. There is no point in conducting discussions. A follow up in this case is needed,” Singh said.

Singh, who joined BJP just after relinquishing his office as Union Home Secretary is seen as one of the main promoters of the toughened policy that was adopted by the federal government vis-a-vis separatist leaders in Kashmir. 

Pertinently, seven Hurriyat leaders Nayeem Khan, Altaf Shah, Ayaz Akbar, Shahid ul Islam, Mehrajuddin Kalwal, Peer Saifullah and Bitta Karate were arrested by the NIA for questioning in various funding cases. Karate was arrested from Delhi while others were arrested from Srinagar.

The leaders were produced in Patiala House Court in New Delhi for their alleged involvement in “terror funding case”, reports said.

As per reports, NIA has sought 10 days remand for all the seven accused for alleged illegal money laundering in Jammu and Kashmir.

NIA had initiated a preliminary inquiry (PE) against pro-freedom leaders after Nayeem Khan in a TV sting operation “confessed” that Hurriyat leaders have been receiving funds for “subversive activities” in the Kashmir Valley.

Guest