New Delhi, August 3: The Delhi High Court has requested a response from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) regarding a petition filed by Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi. She is challenging her life sentence in a terrorism conspiracy case.
A division bench comprising Justices Pratibha M. Singh and Vikas Mahajan issued a notice to the NIA in response to appeals made by Andrabi’s associates, Sufi Fahmida and Nahida Nasreen, who are contesting their 30-year sentences handed down by a trial court.
The High Court has sought the NIA’s response on the convicts’ plea to stay the sentence, with the next hearing scheduled for October.
Earlier this year, a Delhi court sentenced Andrabi to life imprisonment for conspiring to engage in terrorist activities and waging war against the Government of India. Fahmida and Nasreen received 30-year prison terms.
While delivering the sentence, Additional Sessions Judge Chandra Jeet Singh of the Karkardooma Court stated that the actions of the convicts posed a threat to India’s existence, aiming to separate Jammu and Kashmir from the nation.
The trial court noted that the evidence indicated the convicts did not refrain from violence, instead promoting it by praising slain militants and advocating separatist ideology.
The court emphasized that instilling the belief among people, especially the youth, that Kashmir is not part of India could lead to violent actions.
This case is linked to a 2018 NIA investigation, which alleged that Andrabi’s banned organization, Dukhtaran-e-Millat, used social media, public speeches, and other platforms to advocate for Jammu and Kashmir’s merger with Pakistan.
According to the prosecution, the accused praised militants, incited illegal activities like stone-pelting, and promoted a narrative based on the ‘two-nation theory’ through videos, online posts, and other recorded materials.
Andrabi was convicted under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), including Section 18 (conspiracy to commit terrorist acts) and Section 20 (membership of a terrorist organization). Additionally, she was found guilty of criminal conspiracy and waging war against the state under the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Fahmida and Nasreen were also convicted under several sections of anti-terror laws and the IPC.
Andrabi founded the women’s separatist organization Dukhtaran-e-Millat in 1987 and was arrested in April 2018. The trial court noted that the organization had largely become inactive following her arrest.
The sentencing has drawn mixed political reactions. BJP leaders hailed it as a strong message against terrorism, while National Conference leader Sheikh Bashir emphasized the need to respect the decision, citing it as a product of due judicial process, with Andrabi having the option to seek legal remedies in higher courts.
PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, while acknowledging ideological differences with Andrabi, urged consideration of humanitarian aspects. She pointed out that Andrabi has already spent several years in prison and called for a reevaluation of her case.
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