Kashmir Separatist Asiya Andrabi Convicted Under UAPA
Court Convicts Asiya Andrabi and Associates
A Delhi court has found Kashmir separatist Asiya Andrabi and two others guilty in a case related to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Additional Sessions Judge Chanderjeet Singh convicted Andrabi under sections 18 (punishment for conspiracy) and 38 (offenses related to membership of a terrorist organization) of the UAPA. The sentencing is scheduled for January 17. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) accused Andrabi of waging war against India through alleged hate speeches, criminal conspiracy, and activities falling under anti-terror laws. Two of her associates were also named in the case.
The prosecution argued that Andrabi and her associates garnered support for separatist movements and maintained links with banned organizations, which constitutes offenses under the UAPA. After reviewing the evidence presented, the lower court upheld the charges and convicted them. Andrabi founded the women's separatist group 'Dukhtran-e-Millat' in 1987. She was arrested in April 2018 during a large-scale crackdown on separatist networks in Jammu and Kashmir, and subsequently, this organization was banned under the UAPA.
This verdict comes after a lengthy trial where the NIA argued that Andrabi played a significant role in promoting separatist ideology and continuing terrorist activities through speeches, meetings, and organizational efforts. Following the verdict, the court will hear arguments on sentencing this weekend and will determine the punishment under the relevant provisions of the UAPA.