Delhi HC seeks NIA reply on Kashmiri separatist Aasiya Andrabi’s plea in terror case

The Delhi High Court sought the National Investigation Agency's (NIA) response to an appeal by Kashmiri separatist Aasiya Andrabi and two associates against their conviction and sentencing in a terror case.

The bench of Justices Prathiba M Singh and Vikas Mahajan directed NIA counsel to file a response to the application seeking suspension of sentences, and fixed September 30 as the next hearing date.

NIA opposed the appeal on the ground that it was filed beyond the limitation period under the NIA Act.

Andrabi, founder of the banned Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM), and associates Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen were convicted on January 14 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for running a terrorist organisation.

They were sentenced on March 24: Andrabi to life imprisonment, and the two others to 30 years each, for spreading insurrectionary propaganda and promoting enmity, aimed at seceding Jammu and Kashmir from India.