NEW DELHI — A Delhi court on Tuesday sentenced Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi, chief of the banned organization Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM), to life imprisonment in a high-profile case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The verdict was delivered on March 24, 2026, by Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh of the designated National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Delhi.
Court’s Verdict
In a 28-page sentencing order, the court ruled that granting leniency to the convict could send a dangerous message to individuals holding similar ideas, suggesting they might escape serious consequences after limited imprisonment. The judge said such leniency could encourage attempts to promote the secession of parts of India.
The court held that the actions of Andrabi and her associates were not merely political in nature but aimed at the secession of an integral part of India. It observed that the offences struck at the “sovereignty and integrity of the nation,” warranting stringent punishment.
Associates Also Sentenced
Along with Andrabi, two of her close associates — Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen — were each sentenced to 30 years of rigorous imprisonment.
Charges and Convictions
The court found the trio guilty under several provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, including Sections 18, 20, 38, and 39, which relate to terror conspiracy, membership of a terrorist organization, and providing support to such groups.
They were also convicted under provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including Sections 120B, 121, and 121A, dealing with criminal conspiracy and waging war against the Government of India. Additional charges included Sections 153A for promoting enmity and 505 for public mischief.
Court Observations
During the proceedings, Judge Chander Jit Singh noted that the accused used the “pretext of a claim of right to self-determination” to endorse the narrative that Kashmir was not a part of India and was under illegal occupation.
The court further observed that the accused allegedly used social media platforms and public gatherings to promote secessionist ideology and radicalize people.
Case Background
The case dates back to April 2018, when Asiya Andrabi was arrested by the National Investigation Agency for allegedly inciting violence and promoting separatist activities in the Kashmir Valley.
Andrabi founded Dukhtaran-e-Millat in 1987 as an all-women organization. The group was later banned by the Indian government over allegations of secessionist activities.
Formal charges were framed against Andrabi and her associates in February 2021. On January 14, 2026, the court convicted the trio on terror conspiracy and related charges. During the sentencing phase in March 2026, the NIA sought the maximum punishment, describing them as “main perpetrators” in a deep-rooted conspiracy.
Related Case
The verdict comes after another major conviction in a separatism-related case. In 2022, Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik was sentenced to life imprisonment by a Delhi court after pleading guilty to terror-funding charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
