In a significant legal development, a special court in Jammu and Kashmir has ordered the immediate seizure of property belonging to Ghulam Nabi Fai, a controversial American lobbyist of Kashmiri origin. The action marks an escalation in India's long-standing case against Fai, who is accused of operating as a front for Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) for over thirty years.
Court Order and Accusations
The special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Jammu and Kashmir directed the attachment of Fai's land located in the Budgam district. This judicial order is based on allegations that the 76-year-old American citizen has been a key international advocate for Pakistan's stance on the Kashmir issue, allegedly funded and directed by the ISI. Indian authorities assert that Fai's lobbying efforts in the United States were not independent but constituted a proxy campaign for Pakistani intelligence.
Ghulam Nabi Fai's Troubled Legal History
Ghulam Nabi Fai is no stranger to legal troubles on both sides of the Atlantic. His activities have drawn scrutiny from Indian agencies for decades. In the United States, Fai faced serious legal consequences; he was convicted and sentenced to prison for concealing the transfer of millions of dollars from the Pakistani government to fund his lobbying efforts in Washington D.C. This history of legal entanglements underpins the current case in India, where the NIA has been investigating his network and assets.
Implications and Broader Context
The attachment of his property in Budgam is a concrete step in India's efforts to hold him accountable under its legal framework. It signals a move beyond diplomatic and intelligence concerns to tangible asset forfeiture. The case highlights the ongoing shadow war involving lobbying, influence, and allegations of espionage in the complex geopolitics of the Kashmir region. For over three decades, Fai remained a prominent figure in diaspora circles advocating on Kashmir, making this legal action a notable moment in the long-running narrative.
Analysts view this court order as part of a broader strategy to dismantle networks alleged to be working against India's interests. The timing and nature of the asset attachment send a strong message regarding the enforcement of Indian law against individuals accused of acting as foreign agents, irrespective of their citizenship or overseas base.
