New Delhi [India], November 20 (HBTV): The Delhi High Court on Wednesday reserved an order on the bail plea of National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Issac Muivah (NSCN-IN) faction leader Alemla Jamir, who was arrested in 2019 in a terror-funding case investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Jamir had filed an appeal against the dismissal of her second bail application by the Special NIA Court, which was rejected on May 31, 2024.

A division bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Shalinder Kaur reserved the order on the bail plea. Advocate Kartik Venu appeared for Alemla Jamir and argued her case.

The second bail application was filed before the special NIA court after liberty was granted by the High Court on December 14, 2023, to approach the trial court. She had approached the High Court after her first bail plea was dismissed. However, the appeal was withdrawn on December 14, 2023.

Her first bail plea was rejected by the Special NIA Court on December 12, 2022. She moved to the High Court in July 2023.

While dismissing her first bail application, the trial court noted that evidence indicated the running of a parallel government never acknowledged under any peace accord. The court found the accusations against Jamir and the other accused to be substantiated.

The court also mentioned evidence of a substantial money transfer by Jamir and another accused, Masasasong AO, meant for terrorist activities linked to NSCN (IM), allegedly orchestrated by Phungthing Shimrang, who is absconding in China. Furthermore, the recovery of arms and ammunition at Jamir's instance was also noted.

Additionally, the court raised concerns over the likelihood of Jamir and her absconding husband fleeing to China, influencing local witnesses, and evading the judicial process. As a result, the court decided against granting bail.

Her default bail plea was dismissed by the trial court on July 3, 2020, and her appeal was also rejected by the Delhi High Court on May 1, 2023.

Jamir was allegedly detained at IGI Airport on December 17, 2019, with INR 72 lakh in cash, which she could not explain.

The NIA arrested her for alleged terror funding under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The agency has filed a charge sheet, and the case is currently at the evidence stage.

It is alleged that the money seized was intended for operations by the terrorist group NSCN (IM) and other terrorist activities in India. An FIR was registered by the Special Cell on December 17, 2019, under sections 10, 13, 17, 18, 20, and 21 of the UAPA. The investigation was later taken over by the NIA following directions from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

A money laundering case has also been registered by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), and the court has framed charges for this alleged case, which is also at the evidence stage. (ANI)