SC Rejects Bail for NSCN-IM Leader Alemla Jamir in Terror Case

New Delhi, Oct 7 (PTI) The Supreme Court, on a recent Tuesday, declined to grant bail to Alemla Jamir, a self-proclaimed cabinet minister of the Naga insurgent outfit NSCN-IM, in connection with an alleged terror-funding case. Justices M M Sundresh and Satish Chandra Sharma have decided not to approve bail at this stage due to the ongoing trial proceedings. "The allegations are very serious, shocks our conscience," remarked the bench. The apex court instructed the trial court to utilize video conferencing facilities and continue with the trial, directing Jamir to cooperate with the investigation. The case is scheduled for another hearing in the second week of January. Previously, on January 13, the Delhi High Court had also rejected Jamir's bail plea, indicating that the allegations, evidence, and the fact that her husband was absconding did not merit her appeal against a previous order dismissing her bail request. The high court noted that both the trial judge and prosecution were moving to expedite the trial process. "Justice hurried is justice buried. We also cannot lose sight of the element that quality of evidence that is to be adduced before the trial cannot be compromised," commented the high court. Citing Jamir as a flight risk, the court highlighted her influential position within NSCN(IM) and the potential to sway witnesses or tamper with evidence, thereby dismissing her appeal. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) initiated a case against Jamir following her interception at Delhi airport on December 17, 2019, before she attempted to fly to Dimapur with approximately Rs 72 lakh in cash. The agency stated that she failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the cash's origin, resulting in the initiation of a separate probe by the income tax department. During the proceedings, the prosecution argued that Jamir, alongside other accused, created an elaborate network via the armed cadets of the "Naga Army" to extort funds for terror activities. Jamir contended there was insufficient evidence to substantiate the severe accusations against her. In its ruling, the high court indicated the NIA's findings pointing to NSCN(IM) as a terrorist organization equipped with advanced weaponry and operating a parallel government. The court noted, "Allegations against the appellant are specific of her being involved in a criminal conspiracy..for raising and collecting lots of funds from businessmen in Dimapur," and that she had established a systematic approach for gathering extortion money for NSCN(IM). Jamir reportedly opened up to 20 bank accounts, some under fictitious names, to facilitate these activities. According to the court, Jamir and her associates operated discreetly, attempting to leave no evidence trails related to money extortion for NSCN(IM)'s terror missions.