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Britain-based Kashmiri separatist leader Ayub Thakur, who is accused of funding terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir, on Wednesday said his Mercy Universal organisation had sent Rs 500,000 to Srinagar in the last couple of months for "charity work".
Thakur, who is the trustee of Mercy Universal, said that the funds were channelled through Imtiaz Bazaz after they were introduced to each other by the charity's office in Srinagar.
Bazaz, the editor of a local magazine who was arrested recently in Srinagar, had claimed that Thakur was funding terrorists. The state police claimed that the two were introduced by woman separatist leader Ayisa Indrabi, who is absconding.
Thakur claimed that the funds were meant for purchasing 800 sewing machines to be distributed among destitute women.
Thakur said during the last two years his organisation had "spent" over £22,000 for "charity" activities.
He said certain medical institutes from India wanted his charity to finance them in setting up mobile clinics each costing £40,000.
The Scotland Yard and British Charity Commission is investigating Mercy Universal's funding following India allegations of Thakur's role in terrorist activities.
PTI
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