NIA chargesheets 6 Hurriyat leaders for 1996 Srinagar violence after nearly three decades
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday filed a chargesheet against six senior leaders of the separatist Hurriyat Conference in connection with a 1996 case of mob violence and firing on police personnel in Srinagar. The chargesheet was submitted before the NIA Special Court in Jammu.
Those named in the chargesheet include Shabir Ahmed Shah, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Abdul Gani Lone, Mohammad Yaqoob Wakeel, Javid Ahmad Mir, and Shakeel Ahmad Bakshi. All six have been charged under the Ranbir Penal Code, 1989 — the primary criminal code of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir — with criminal conspiracy, attempt to murder, rioting, and assault on public servants, along with Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
The case dates back to 1996, when a mob allegedly attacked police personnel in Srinagar. According to the NIA, the accused leaders allegedly instigated the violence and raised secessionist slogans. The chargesheet comes nearly 30 years after the incident, marking a significant step in the investigation.
The NIA did not provide further details on the specific events of 1996. The accused are yet to respond to the charges. Legal proceedings will now continue in the special court.
