RAWALAKOT (Kashmir English): Mirpur Police have arrested several people alleged to be part of a funding network associated with the proscribed Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) during the Rawalakot sit-in.
Addressing the media today, SSP Mirpur Khurram Iqal said that investigators identified an individual, named Hamza, who was present at the sit-in, allegedly coordinated the collection of funds from various areas, and directed various people to transfer the money to Rawalakot in support of protest activities.
SSP said police arrested an individual who was allegedly going to the protest site in Rawalakot to transfer the funds. Information obtained during subsequent investigation led to the arrest of additional individuals linked to the funding network.
Initial investigations suggest that some funds were received from overseas, and other sources may have been diverted for personal use, while the remaining amount was allegedly utilized to support activities of the banned Public Action Committee, the police official said.
During the investigation, Hamza’s alleged chat with his family members has also come to light.
As per details, the messages indicate concerns that the Action Committee had drifted away from its original public-rights agenda and had come under the influence of nationalist elements, resulting in a shift in its direction and objectives.
The police and the relevant agencies are further investigating the matter, and the process of questioning the arrested persons is underway, SSP Mirpur added.
