New Delhi, March 24: A special Delhi court today, March 24, sentenced Kashmiri separatist leader and Dukhtaran-e-Millat chief Asiya Andrabi to life imprisonment. The sentencing follows her conviction under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Presiding over the case, Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh finalised the quantum of punishment after hearing arguments from both the prosecution and the defense, marking a significant conclusion to the high-profile counter-terrorism trial.

Sentences for Asiya Andrabi's Associates and Specific Charges

In addition to the life term for Andrabi, the court awarded 30-year prison sentences to her two close associates, Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen. The trio was convicted on January 14 for their involvement in activities deemed prejudicial to national security and integration. AI Summit Protest Case: Delhi Court Sends 3 IYC Workers to Judicial Custody; Bail Hearing Deferred.

The convictions include several grave offenses under the UAPA:

  • Section 20: Punishment for being a member of a terrorist organization.

  • Section 38: Offenses relating to membership of a terrorist organization.

  • Section 39: Support given to a terrorist organization.

Conspiracy Against the State

Beyond anti-terror laws, the three women were found guilty of multiple violations of the Indian Penal Code. These include Section 121A (conspiracy to commit offenses against the State), Section 153A (promoting enmity between different groups), and Section 153B (imputations prejudicial to national integration). The court also cited Section 120B for criminal conspiracy and Section 505 for statements conducing to public mischief. The verdict underscored the gravity of their efforts to incite unrest and challenge the sovereignty of the nation through organized separatist activities.

The NIA's Position and Prosecution Arguments

The National Investigation Agency (NIA), which led the probe, had aggressively sought the maximum penalty for Andrabi. During the arguments on the quantum of sentence, the NIA contended that Andrabi had "waged war against India" through her leadership of the banned outfit Dukhtaran-e-Millat. The prosecution argued that a stern message was necessary to deter conspiracies against the State. They highlighted that the activities of the accused were not merely dissent but a calculated effort to destabilize the region and invite the "harshest penalty" under Indian law. Friendship on Valentine’s Day Is No License for Forced S*x, Says Delhi High Court; Denies Bail to Man in POCSO Case.

The Case of Dukhtaran-e-Millat

Asiya Andrabi founded Dukhtaran-e-Millat (Daughters of the Nation), an all-women separatist group, which was later banned by the Indian government. The organization was accused of orchestrating street protests, promoting secessionist ideologies, and maintaining links with militant groups. Andrabi and her associates have been in custody since 2018, when the NIA took over the investigation into their funding and anti-national activities.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Mar 24, 2026 05:49 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).