NIA Seeks Life Term for Asiya Andrabi in UAPA Case; Court Reserves Order | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Federal investigator, the National Investigation Agency has sought life imprisonment for Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi, chief of the banned organisation Dukhtaran-e-Millat, following her conviction in a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), according to reports appearing in the media.

The submissions were made before Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh, who is hearing arguments on the quantum of sentence against Andrabi and her two associates, Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen. The three were earlier convicted by the court in January 2026 under the stringent anti-terror law.

According to media reports, the NIA told the court that the accused were part of a “deep-rooted conspiracy” to wage war against the Government of India. The agency said the trio had allegedly used social media platforms and public gatherings to propagate anti-India narratives with support from entities based abroad.

In its written submissions, the agency argued that a stern message was required to be sent that conspiring against the State would invite the harshest penalty. It further alleged that the proscribed Dukhtaran-e-Millat organisation was used to incite unrest and promote the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from India.

Media reports quoting the agency also said the investigation had alleged links with Pakistan-based elements, including Hafiz Saeed, the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba, who has been designated as a terrorist by the United Nations.

Opposing the demand for life imprisonment, the defence counsel reportedly argued that the prosecution had failed to establish that the speeches or social media posts attributed to the accused directly incited violence.

After hearing arguments from both sides, the court reserved its order and listed the matter for March 24 for pronouncement of the sentence, media reports said.