Former Kashmir MLA arrested regarding terror funding case

National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday arrested the
former independent MLA from North Kashmir Engineer Rashid in relation with a
terror funding case. This arrest had happened after the abrogation of special
status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir and the bifurcation of the state into
two Union territories.  800 political
leaders and activists were detained in Kashmir during the past four days.
Rashid was questioned by National Investigative agency for a period of more
than a week and it was alleged that separatists from the Kashmir Valley had
received funds from Pakistan, including from LeT chief Hafiz Saeed, to manifest
problems and troubles inside the Valley.

“Rashid has been
arrested. We have found evidence of his transactions with Zahoor Watali. He
also had dealings, both financial and otherwise, with other separatists in
Kashmir,” an officer from National Investigative Agency said.

Watali is accused in a case where separatists like Shabbir
Shah, Yasin Malik, Asiya Andrabi and Masarrat Alam are already arrested. NIA also
alleged that Watali also received funds through Pakistan High Commission.