In a first, National Investigation Agency summoned a mainstream leader and Independent MLA from Kupwara for questioning in a case related to the alleged funding of terror activities in the Valley, reports said Thursday.

Jammu and Kashmir MLA Sheikh Abdul Rashid, popularly known as Engineer Rashid, has been called for questioning on October 3.

His name had cropped up during the interrogation of businessman Zahoor Watali, who was arrested by the NIA for allegedly supplying money to terror groups and separatists in the Valley.

Rashid, an independent MLA from Lagate in North Kashmir, has been denying any involvement in the case and has appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly speaker to initiate an inquiry.

The NIA has so far arrested 10 people in the case. The list includes Altaf Ahmed Shah, Geelani’s son-in-law, and Watali.

Geelani’s close aides Ayaz Akbar, who is also spokesperson of the Hurriyat (G), and Peer Saifullah have been also been arrested.

Others in the list are Shahid-ul-Islam, spokesperson of the Hurriyat (M) Mehrajuddin Kalwal, Nayeem Khan, Farooq Ahmed Dar alias ‘Bitta Karate’, photo-journalist Kamran Yusuf and Javed Ahmed Bhat. (Agencies)  

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