Jammu Kashmir High Court Confirms Detention of Female Terrorist Associate Under PSA

Court Upholds Detention of Shaista Maqbol

Justice Sanjay Dhar from the Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has affirmed the detention of Shaista Maqbol, a female associate of the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LET), under the Public Safety Act (PSA). The court rejected her appeal against the detention, citing significant evidence linking her to terrorist activities and connections with LET operatives.

The ruling pointed out that Maqbol's detention was justified due to her close ties with Musaib Lakhvi, a well-known terrorist active in the Hajin region of North Kashmir between 2016 and 2018. Lakhvi is the nephew of Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi, a co-founder of LET and a designated global terrorist implicated in the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

The court further noted that Maqbol's associations extend beyond Lakhvi, as she has reportedly formed connections with various local and international terrorists operating in Jammu and Kashmir. The evidence suggested that she has been given nicknames by these terrorists, such as 'Choti' and 'Behan,' indicating her deep involvement in their networks.

Additionally, the court highlighted that Maqbol has allegedly kept in touch with handlers based in Pakistan, identified as Abu Zehran and Abu Hans, relaying sensitive information about the movements of political leaders and other protected individuals through encrypted social media platforms. This ongoing communication poses serious concerns regarding her potential threat to national security.

Justice Dhar emphasized that the allegations against Maqbol represent a clear and present danger, indicating that her actions are not merely remnants of past incidents but rather ongoing anti-national activities. The court stressed the importance of her detention under the PSA to prevent her from continuing these actions.