I-T begins fresh crackdown against Kashmir separatists

New Delhi:

The income tax department on Wednesday began a fresh crackdown against radical outfits in Jammu & Kashmir with the head of a prominent organisation, allegedly indulging in anti-national activities along with his associates, covered in a search action by tax authorities.


“Search action has been conducted at four premises in the Valley and three in the national capital. The search action has yielded credible evidence of large-scale undisclosed financial transactions carried out in the business of quarrying, hotels etc,” the Central Board of Direct Taxes said in a statement.

The CBDT said the department had come across “clinching evidence” of huge unaccounted expenditure having been incurred in cash on the reconstruction and remodelling of the residential premises currently being used by the tax evader’s family. “Despite carrying out large-scale financial transactions, neither the main protagonist nor any member of his family has ever filed any income tax return,” it said.

The Valley observed a complete shutdown on Wednesday to protest the mass arrests, NIA raids on separatists’ residences and talk of amendments to state laws. The shutdown call was given by ‘joint resistance leadership’ comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Muhammad Yasin Malik on Tuesday. Shops, businesses and other establishments remained shuttered and traffic stayed off the roads.

A day after the NIA raids on separatist brass including Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Muhammad Yasin Malik and Muhammad Ashraf Sehrai, Mirwaiz was prevented from addressing a press conference at his residence in Nigeen. He released a statement that said: “People of Kashmir greatly urge India and Pakistan not to escalate the situation and desist from warmongering... a disaster for the... region. We ask both governments that as in the past escalation and war can never resolve issues between them and only talking to one another is way forward. All Parties Hurriyat Conference reiterates the call for dialogue.”

The income tax action come hours after the NIA carried out searches at seven locations in J&K.