Indian court sentences Kashmiri leader Asiya Andrabi to life imprisonment

NEW DELHI: An Indian court has sentenced Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi to life imprisonment under anti-terrorism laws, with two of her associates handed 30-year jail terms, according to Indian media and official statements.

The Delhi court convicted Andrabi, head of the Dukhtaran-e-Millat group, in a case brought by India’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), accusing her of conspiring to wage war against the state and promote the secession of Kashmir.

Her co-accused, Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen, were also found guilty and sentenced to 30 years in prison in the same case, reports said.

Andrabi was arrested on July 6, 2018, and later charged with offences including sedition, terror financing and anti-state activities, according to court documents and Indian media reports.

Pakistan strongly condemned the sentencing, with Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister denouncing the verdict and calling it politically motivated, according to local media reports. Authorities said the ruling reflects a broader crackdown on Kashmiri leadership in Indian-administered Kashmir.

The case relates to allegations that Andrabi and her associates used speeches, social media and organisational networks to incite unrest and challenge India’s sovereignty in the region, charges that critics and separatist groups have rejected as unfounded.

The sentencing marks a significant development in India’s use of stringent anti-terror laws against separatist figures, amid ongoing tensions in the disputed Himalayan region.