Delhi court frames terror charges against Kashmiri separatist Asiya Andrabi

Terrorism, sedition charges have been framed against Kashmiri separatist Asiya Andrabi for allegedly conspiring to commit terror acts and waging war against the country with support from Pakistan.

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Asiya Andrabi was accused of being involved in the conspiracy and acts to "severely destabilise the sovereignty and integrity of India". (File Photo)

A Delhi court framed terrorism, sedition and other charges against Kashmiri separatist Asiya Andrabi and two of her associates on Tuesday. The three have been charged for allegedly waging war against the government of India and conspiring to commit terror acts in the country. Asiya Andrabi, who was chief of the banned outfit Dukhtaran-e-Millat (daughters of the nation), was accused by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) of being involved in the conspiracy and acts to "severely destabilise the sovereignty and integrity of India", along with her two other associates.

The Case The case relates to waging war against the country with support from Pakistan, including terror entities. Special Judge Parveen Singh had put Asiya Andrabi and her associates Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen on trial for offences punishable under IPC and the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) on February 20.

The court passed the order after the accused pleaded not guilty and claimed trial. The court framed charges under sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 121 (waging war against the government of India), 121-A (conspiracy to wage war against the government of India), 124-A (sedition), 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups), 153-B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national-integration) and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief) of the IPC. It further framed sections 18 (conspires or attempts to commit, or advocates, abets, advises or incites terror act), 20 (being member of terrorist gang or organisation), 38 (offence relating to membership of a terrorist organisation) and 39 (offence relating to support given to a terrorist organisation) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The NIA, on directions of the Home Ministry, registered a case against them and the organisation. The three accused were arrested in April 2018 and are currently in custody. Also Read | Dukhtaran-e-Millat chief Asiya Andrabi played key role in closure of cinemas in Kashmir: NIA