Trial begins in Kashmir recruitment case

KOCHI: The proceedings in the Kashmir terrorist recruitment case, which began on Wednesday in the Ernakulam NIA Special Court, will be conducted in-camera for security reasons.The prime witness in the case Abdul Khadar alias Abu Usthad, deposed before the court on Wednesday. The examination of witnesses will continue on Thursday.The trial will be held in two phases. In the first phase, 18 of the 24 accused on whom charges have been framed will be tried. In the second phase, two of the accused who have been absconding will be put under trial, after their capture. Fayas, Fayis, Abdul Rahim and Muhammed Yasin (Accused 7 to 10)were killed in an encounter with the Indian security forces.According to the NIA, the 24 accused had entered into a criminal conspiracy in 2008, in Kannur and other places, with an intention to promote terrorism and to wage war against India. The accused also tried to impart training to recruits in arms and ammunition to wage war against the nation to liberate Kashmir from India and disturb peace and tranquillity.  The case is related to the enrolment of several youths from Kerala for anti-national activities.