Farooq Ahmed Dar was born in the late 1960s in Guru Bazar in Srinagar. "Bitta" being his pet name, Dar was given suffix nickname "Karate" because of his mastery in martial arts. Farooq Ahmed Dar used to work for his family business and in his early 20s, he left his home to become a militant. Within no time he became the synonym of militancy in the valley.
Participation in the 1990 exodus of Kashmiri Hindus
Farooq Ahmad Dar spread terror with his return from arms training in Pakistani Kashmir in 1990s. He was imprisoned for killings of Kashmiri Hindus and had participated in ethnic cleansing of Kashmiri Pandits. His first victim was a young businessman Satish Kumar Tickoo, who was his close friend. Tickoo was shot by Dar in front of his house. He apparently used to get orders from Ashfaq Majeed Wani or other superiors in JKLF. Dar would also walk armed on the streets of Srinagar in search of Kashmiri Hindus and on spotting, he would take out his pistol and shoot at them. He used pistols to kill individuals and AK-47 to attack and fire at Indian Security Forces. He admitted to killing between at least 20 people or more in 1990 during the insurgency. The convener of Panun Kashmir has accused him of publicly proclaiming killing 42 Hindus. Dar himself had stated in a video that he had killed 20 Kashmiri Hindus. He however later claimed that he didn't kill any Pandit and the statement was made under duress.
1990 arrest
Farooq Ahmed Dar along with his two associates, was arrested by Border Security Force on 22 Jun 1990 from Srinagar. He was arrested and detained under the Public Safety Act and had 19 terrorism cases against him. He remained under detention for 16 years and was released on indefinite bail in Oct 2006. Dar was in detention in various prisons in India in different states. He served time in Kot Bhalwal Jail in Jammu, District Jail in Kathua, Central Jail in Jodhpur, Central Jail in Agra etc.
2006 indefinite bail and release
On 23 Oct 2006, a court enforcing Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act in Jammu granted bail to Dar and he was handed over to his family on 25 Oct 2006. He was initially granted bail for four months against a bail bond and personal surety of each. Dar was released after spending 16 years in jail. His detention under the Public Safety Act was quashed by the Supreme Court of India before his release from jail. His release was condemned by several Kashmiri Pandit organizations. Dar got a warm reception from his supporters in Kashmir. Large number of supporters assembled at his house where flower petals and confetti was showered on him. Then, Dar was taken out in a procession to an Eidgah where prayers were offered. While dictating verdict, judge remarked:
