Delhi Court Delivers Verdict in High-Profile UAPA Case
A special court in Delhi on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, convicted Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi, along with her two associates, Nahida Nasreen and Fahmeeda Sofi, in a case filed under India's stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The verdict marks a significant development in the Indian government's crackdown on separatist activities in the region.
The trio was found guilty of multiple offenses, including conspiracy to wage war against the country, being members of a terrorist organization, sedition, and criminal conspiracy. Specifically, the court convicted them under UAPA sections 18 (punishment for conspiracy) and 38 (offence relating to membership of a terrorist organisation), as well as various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) such as 153 A, 153B, 121-A, 120B, and 505.
Background of the Case and Accused
Asiya Andrabi, aged 62, is the founder and chief of Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM), an all-women separatist organization established in 1987. The Indian government banned DeM in 2018, designating it as a terrorist organization. The organization advocates for Kashmir's independence or its merger with Pakistan and rejects Indian rule in the region.
Andrabi and her associates, Nahida Nasreen (61) and Fahmeeda Sofi (38), were arrested in April 2018 by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) from a Srinagar jail, where they were already held in a separate case. They have remained in custody, primarily at Delhi's Tihar Jail, since their arrest.
Charges and Prosecution's Allegations
The NIA registered the UAPA case against them in April 2018, alleging that they were part of a banned organization, waged war against the state, and engaged in sedition and criminal conspiracy. Prosecutors claimed that Andrabi and her associates used speeches and online platforms to promote secessionist views, incite hostility, and spread 'hate speeches' that endangered India's integrity, security, and sovereignty. They were accused of mobilizing support for separatist causes, maintaining links with banned organizations, and coordinating with Pakistan-based terror outfits to destabilize the region.
Charges were formally framed against the accused in February 2021. The court, presided over by Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh, concluded that the prosecution had proven the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
Next Steps: Sentencing and Broader Implications
The conviction of Asiya Andrabi marks only the second instance of a prominent separatist leader being convicted by an NIA court, following that of Yasin Malik. This outcome reinforces New Delhi's firm stance against separatist leaders in the disputed region.
The court has scheduled the hearing for arguments on the quantum of sentence for January 17, 2026. The offenses under the stringent anti-terror law could lead to imprisonment for life.
6 Comments
Loubianka
The legal process here is deeply flawed. A dark day for human rights.
Bermudez
While national security is paramount and inciting violence is unacceptable, the broad application of UAPA raises concerns about distinguishing genuine terror from political dissent. We need a clearer line.
Habibi
Strong action needed against all anti-national elements. India first!
Coccinella
Holding individuals accountable for conspiring against the state is vital for any nation, but the government must ensure that anti-terror laws are not perceived as tools to suppress legitimate political aspirations or criticism.
Muchacha
Justice served! No place for those who conspire against the nation.
Michelangelo
It's important to address groups advocating for secession through illegal means, but the long detention without bail and the nature of some UAPA charges warrant scrutiny to ensure due process is fully respected.