37 arrested for financing terror activities in J&K: Govt

116 people were also arrested for possessing counterfeit currency

Thirty seven people have been arrested in Jammu and Kashmir for allegedly providing hawala money for "spreading" militant activities, the state government today said.

"A total of 17 cases were registered during the last three years till May 12 in connection with hawala transactions," Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said in a written reply to a question by Bharatiya Janata Party member Sat Paul Sharma in the state Assembly.

Eight cases were registered in 2013, five in 2014, three in 2015 and one so far this year, Mehbooba, who also holds the home portfolio, said.

A total of 37 people – 17 in 2013, nine in 2014, eight in 2015 and three in 2016 – were arrested in connection with the cases, she said, adding that over Rs 36.70 lakh, $900 and 33 gold coins were also recovered.

Also, 116 people were arrested for possessing counterfeit currency. Fake Indian currency notes with a face value of Rs 51.15 lakh and $6,980 have been seized since 2013, she said.

The chief minister denied having received any report about separatist leaders receiving hawala money.

She said foreign funds were being routed through various channels, including hawala, to spread terrorist activities in the state.