A Delhi court on Wednesday convicted Kashmiri separatist leader and Dukhtaran e Millat chief Asiya Andrabi in a case under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. The court held her guilty of “conspiracy and terror-related offences” after a long trial conducted by the National Investigation Agency.
Additional Sessions Judge Chanderjit Singh convicted Andrabi under Sections 18 and 38 of the UAPA, which deal with punishment for criminal conspiracy and membership of a terrorist organisation. The court said the quantum of the sentence will be decided on January 17.
The NIA had accused Andrabi of waging war against India through alleged hate speeches, promoting separatist ideology and taking part in activities banned under anti-terror laws. Two of her associates, Sofi Fehmida and Nahida Nasreen, were also named in the case and convicted under the same provisions.
According to the prosecution, Andrabi and her associates worked to mobilise support for separatist causes in Jammu and Kashmir and maintained links with banned organisations. The agency claimed their actions were aimed at undermining the sovereignty and integrity of India. The NIA told the court that the accused used public meetings, speeches and media platforms to spread inflammatory messages and support secessionist activities.
After examining the evidence on record, the trial court upheld the prosecution’s case and ordered the conviction. The judge noted that the charges of conspiracy and unlawful association under the UAPA were proved beyond doubt.
Asiya Andrabi founded Dukhtaran-e-Millat, an all-women separatist organisation, in 1987. She was arrested in April 2018 during a wider crackdown on separatist networks in Jammu and Kashmir. Her organisation was later banned under the UAPA. Andrabi and her associates have remained in custody since their arrest.
With the conviction now recorded, the court will hear arguments on sentencing later this week before announcing the punishment under the relevant provisions of the UAPA.
