Properties to be attached for wilful harbouring of terrorists: J&K police

Srinagar, March 26 (IANS) The Jammu and Kashmir police on Saturday said that properties of house owners, who had wilfully harboured terrorists, will be attached.

Police said in a statement, that there has been misinformation and rumours floated by certain quarters regarding information provided by Srinagar Police with respect to initiation of attachment of properties used for purpose of terrorism.

"It is clarified that Srinagar Police is well aware of the difference between wilful harbouring of terrorists and one done under duress," police said.

Police said the attachments being done are for properties where it has been proved beyond doubt that the house owner or member had wilfully harboured terrorists, in most cases for days together and that it was not done under any duress whatsoever.

The attachment proceedings always come after investigation procedures in any case are at advanced stage.

"Out of ignorance, some persons are trying to portray it as some kind of forced enforcement but it is a fact that Sections 2(g) and 25 of Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967 have been in vogue since decades and these are not some recent additions as claimed by some rumour mongers," police said.

"The decision regarding enforcement of these sections of law is due to the fact that many supporters of terrorism are wilfully providing harbour and safe havens to terrorists who conduct attacks on civilians and security forces in Srinagar City."

Police said further, in regards the issue of so called 'forceful entry' of terrorists into any house or other structure, the house owner or any other member claiming duress should timely inform the authorities about the same, as many provisions for hiding identity of such informant are available under law.

"The onus always lies on the house owner/member to prove duress by informing the authorities well in time that there is/was forceful entry of terrorists into his/her house," police said.

"Srinagar Police once again requests all its citizens not to pay heed to misinformation floated by some vested interests, we also request citizens not to provide shelter or harbour terrorists in their homes or immovable properties, failing which lawful procedures will take their own course in full letter and spirit."

"There is and will always be zero tolerance towards terrorism and supporters of terrorism in a civilised society like ours," it stated.