Delhi High Court Grants Bail to Kashmiri Activist Khurram Parvez After Prolonged Detention

The Delhi High Court has granted bail to Khurram Parvez, a prominent Kashmiri human rights activist, ending a lengthy detention of over four years. Parvez was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in November 2021 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), which deals with anti-terrorism measures in India. The court’s decision on Wednesday overturned a trial court’s December 2024 ruling that had denied Parvez bail, marking a significant moment in his legal battle.

Khurram Parvez faced serious charges, including alleged membership in a terrorist organization and involvement in terror funding. Specifically, the NIA accused him of having connections to the terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and of operating through a network of overground workers. Allegations further claimed that he was involved in recruiting individuals for terrorist activities and gathering sensitive information about security forces and military installations in the region.

Despite these allegations, Parvez maintained his innocence throughout the legal proceedings, asserting that he was a “factual stranger” to the purported conspiracy. His bail application highlighted the lack of concrete evidence linking him to any terrorist operatives. Interestingly, he was not named in the initial first information report, raising questions about the validity of the accusations against him.

Parvez is a key figure in the Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society, a coalition of non-profit organizations based in Srinagar that advocates for human rights and social justice in the region. His arrest and subsequent legal troubles have drawn national and international attention, sparking debates about freedom of expression and human rights in Kashmir, particularly amid ongoing political turmoil.

The granting of bail has been welcomed by human rights activists, who see it as a positive step towards justice. Many believe that the case exemplifies the broader issues faced by activists who advocate for civil liberties in conflict-ridden areas. As Parvez prepares for his release, observers will be keenly watching for the next steps in his legal journey and the implications of his case for the future of human rights advocacy in India.

Source: scroll.in