New Delhi, Mar 24 — A Delhi court on Tuesday sentenced Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi to life imprisonment in a case related to conspiracy, waging war against India and membership of a banned organisation, while awarding 30-year jail terms to her associates Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen.
Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh of Karkardooma Court held the trio guilty under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code.
“The acts of the convicts attack at the very existence of India and aim at secession of Kashmir, an integral part of the country,” the court said.
Andrabi headed the banned all-women outfit Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM), while Fehmeeda served as its press secretary and Nasreen as general secretary.
The case stemmed from a 2018 probe which alleged that DeM used social media, speeches and public activities to advocate for Kashmir’s merger with Pakistan.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) presented videos and social media posts, including content that allegedly glorified militants and incited unrest.
The court noted that while there was no evidence of the convicts directly engaging in violence, the material on record showed they did not “abhor violence” and had “indirectly promoted” it.
“The acts… may not apparently be the direct cause of inciting violence but… can evoke sentiments… and may lead [people] to use all kinds of methods including violence,” the court said.
Judge Singh also observed that the accused propagated the view that Kashmir should join Pakistan on religious grounds and did not recognise the Constitution of India.
“It is clear that the accused do not bear allegiance to the Constitution of India… and are seeking secession of an integral part of India,” the court said.
The three were convicted under Sections 18, 20, 38 and 39 of the UAPA, along with IPC provisions including criminal conspiracy, waging war, promoting enmity and public mischief.