The National Investigation Agency (NIA) in a joint operation with the CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police today arrested Shakeel, son of Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin. Last year in October, the NIA had arrested his other son, Syed Shahid Yusuf, who was questioned in 2011 terror funding case. While Syed Shahid Yusuf was a Jammu and Kashmir government employee, Shakeel works as a senior lab technician at Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Studies.
Earlier this year, he was questioned by the NIA in relation to the 2011 terror attacks. Shakeel was reportedly asked to explain foreign funds in his account, especially from the UAE. His brother was also accused of being in touch with Saudi Arabia-based Hizbul Mujahideen operative Aijaz Ahmad Bhat and had received money to allegedly fuel and fund secessionist and terrorist activities in the Valley.
In June last year, the US had designated their father and Hizbul Mujahideen chief Syed Salahuddin a global terrorist. Syed Salahuddin is the key mastermind on the attack on Pathankot air base in Punjab in 2016.
Shakeel was arrested earlier today after a raid was conducted on his house late last night in his Ramban residence.