Ex-PDP MLA Aijaz Ahmad Mir's car used in 2017 Amarnath yatra attack, claims NIA

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has made a shocking claim that the vehicle of former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Aijaz Ahmad Mir was allegedly used to carry out attack on the Amarnath pilgrims in 2017.  

"It has come to our notice that once his (Aijaz Mir) vehicle was used to attack the pilgrims of the Amarnath yatra," read the NIA's letter to the Additional Director General of Police, Jammu and Kashmir. On July 10, 2017, eight pilgrims were killed when militants attacked the Amarnath yatra bus at Botengoo.

Aijaz Ahmad Mir represented Wachi constituency of South Kashmir's Shopian district. Mir, has been accused of having a soft corner for the militants. "You are requested to provide criminal record/antecedents if any and integrity report on respect of aforesaid Ex MLA Aijaz Ahmad Mir to Rakesh Sharma SPO/CIO of the instant case," the NIA letter stated.

The NIA's claim comes in the backdrop of its investigation into the weapon heist case at the residence of the former PDP MLA Aijaz Ahmad Mir last year. In September last year, SPO Adil Bashir Sheikh posted at Mir's residence decamped with nine weapons including five AK 47 rifles, four INSAS riffles and one pistol.