3 arrested for Maulana Showkat killing

Saturday April 16, 2011 06:50:57 PM, IANS

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Police Saturday said they have arrested three persons connected with the murder of the religious cleric, Maulana Showkat Ahmad Shah.

The cleric was killed in an explosion here April 8.

S.M. Sahai, Inspector General of Police for Kashmir zone, told a media conference here that the conspiracy to eliminate Maulana Showkat was hatched in the Srinagar Central Jail some time back.

"The conspiracy behind the killing has been unearthed and radical elements have been found responsible for it," Sahai said.

"A radical religio-political outfit namely 'Sout-ul-Haq' and some other radical elements have been found behind the conspiracy," Sahai said.

In a significant revelation, Sahai said these radical elements had been in touch with Jameel-ur-Rehman, secretary of the Muzaffarabad-based conglomerate of guerrilla groups, the United Jehad Council (UJC).

The Kashmir Valley police chief also said Maulana Showkat was perceived by radical elements as one against sectarianism and helping to defuse sectarian clashes.

"His work in the field of education, especially trying to establish a university with the help of the government was perceived by them as a compromise with the government," the IGP revealed.

Sahai also said one man, Abdul Ghani Dar alias Abdullah Gazali, had called on Ashiq Hussain Fakhtoo alias Dr. Qasim lodged in the Srinagar Central Jail and the two had discussed the plan to eliminate Maulana Showkat since he could not be defeated by the radicals through elections, which he had won as the president of the Jamiat-e-Ahlehadith.

"However, the actual execution was entrusted to Nisar Ahmad Khan alias Ishaq, a resident of Chanapora locality in Srinagar city,' Sahai said.

"Abdul Ghani Dar, Javaid alias Bill Papa and Nisar Ahmad Khan have already been arrested," he said.

Sahai added: "Bill Papa sought help from Lashkar commander Abdullah Uni. He received some material from Abdullah Uni and also arranged some of it locally. Various parts of the execution were carried out by various other members."

"The IED (improvised explosive device) was triggered by Nisar Ahmad Khan," he said.

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Farooq Naikwadi, a counselor for Civil Services exams, addressing a workshop on the topic at Abdullah Ash Shae Auditorium, Mansoora in Malegaon April 09, 2011

(Photo: ummid.com)