Jailed for Over Four Years, Kashmir Activist Khurram Parvez Gets Bail in NIA Case

The NIA arrested Parvez on November 22, 2021 and charged under the UAPA and various sections of the Indian Penal Code. LiveLaw noted that the NIA alleged that a network linked to the banned terrorist organisation Lashkar-e-Tayyaba (LeT) had recruited Over Ground Workers (OGWs), gathered intelligence on security installations, facilitated terror funding, and instigated protests following the killing of Burhan Wani in 2016. Parvez has argued in his appeal that there is no factual substantiation of these claims.

In December 2021, after the UN human rights chief’s office raised concerns about the arrest, India lashed out, saying the UN body should develop a better understanding of the negative impact of terrorism on human rights.

Describing Parvez as a “tireless advocate” for families of ‘disappeared persons‘, the OHCHR spokesperson had noted back then that he had been targeted for his work earlier, in 2016, too. He was detained that year under the Public Safety Act for two and half months after being prevented from travelling to Geneva. The Jammu and Kashmir high court had, while ordering his release, called his custody illegal.