Saturday, September 10 2005 11:41 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Two close associates of a jailed Kashmiri separatist leader were held here yesterday (Sept 9, 2005) on charges of funneling hawala money for subversive activities in the state.

Gh Nabi and Ashraf were apprehended near Tal Mahal hotel on Mansingh Road yesterday evening and a 'substantial' amount of hawala money was allegedly recovered from them, police sources told sources here tonight.

The two had allegedly received the money from a businessman in Khari Baoli, the sources said.

The businessman is also likely to be questioned.

Nabi and Ashraf are close associates of People's League leader Sheikh Abdul Aziz who is currently lodged in Tihar Jail, they said.

Aziz is a close confidant of hardline Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani.