A Delhi court on Tuesday sentenced Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi to life imprisonment in a terror-related case. Two of her associates, Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen, were also convicted and awarded 30 years in prison each. They had earlier been found guilty on January 14 under several provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The verdict was pronounced by Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh after hearing detailed arguments regarding the quantum of punishment. The case was investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Who is Asiya Andrabi?
Asiya Andrabi is the founder of the all-women separatist organisation Dukhtaraan-e-Millat (DeM), which she established in 1987. She was arrested in April 2018 in connection with a case related to alleged anti-India activities and links with terror groups.
According to the charges filed by the NIA, Andrabi and her associates were involved in a conspiracy to carry out terrorist acts and promote the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from India. The court found them guilty under several sections of the UAPA and the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including charges related to conspiracy and waging war against the state.
NIA Seeks Strict Punishment
During the sentencing hearing, the NIA requested the court to award life imprisonment to Andrabi, arguing that her actions amounted to waging war against India. The agency said that a strict punishment was necessary to send a strong message against activities that threaten the nation’s security.
In its written submissions, the NIA stated that the three convicts were part of a deep-rooted conspiracy. The agency argued that they were not merely participants but key figures involved in planning and carrying out the activities.
Role of Banned Dukhtaraan-e-Millat
Dukhtaraan-e-Millat (DeM), the organisation founded by Andrabi, is banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. Investigators say the group was involved in spreading anti-India propaganda and encouraging armed uprising in Kashmir.
