Man gets 14 yrs jail term for raising terror fund under POTA

Additional Sessions Judge R K Gauba also imposed a fine of Rs 20,000 on 52-year-old Jafar Umar Khan, who had links with Hizbul Mujahideen and other terrorist organisations, after holding him guilty under stringent now-repealed Prevention of Terrorism Act (POTA).

"The challenge of terrorism is to be met at various levels including in the form of judicial response to those found indulging in terrorist violence or in activities connected therewith," the court said, adding the inflow of funds to the terror organisation be stopped.

ASJ Gauba noted that Khan was apprehended in 2003 in possession of hawala money of Rs four lakh which he wanted to use for his terrorist organisations.

"The convict before this court has been found assisting terrorist outfits in collecting funds for their members. It is imperative that such foot soldiers of terrorist groups are suitably neutralised for their activities to be checked and controlled," the court said.

Refusing to show any leniency to Khan, the court awarded him with the maximum sentence of 14 years under the provision of POTA relating to raising funds for terror activities.