Kashmiri Separatist Leader Asiya Andrabi, Considered Hafiz Saeed’s “Sister,” Found Guilty by NIA Court

In a landmark ruling, a Delhi court has convicted Kashmiri separatist leader Asiya Andrabi and her two associates, Sofi Fahmida and Nahida Nasreen, in a terror-related case. Andrabi, who heads the female separatist group Dukhtaran-e-Millat, was arrested in 2018 and is considered the first female separatist leader in Kashmir.

The court found the three guilty of conspiring against the country and running a terrorist organization. Additional Sessions Judge Chanderjit Singh stated that their activities went beyond separatism, directly attempting to incite terrorism and spread hostility against the nation. Andrabi and her associates were held accountable under Sections 18 and 38 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The case, initially heard at Patiala House Court by ASJ Singh, has now been transferred to Karkardooma Court, with sentencing arguments scheduled for January 17, 2026.

Background:
Andrabi founded Dukhtaran-e-Millat in 1987 as the women’s wing of the Hurriyat Conference, aiming to promote separatist ideology in Kashmir and mobilize women for the cause. The group was later banned by the Indian government.

Investigations revealed that Andrabi maintained close links with Pakistan, with notorious terrorist Hafiz Saeed reportedly considering her a “sister”. The NIA report states that she and her associates influenced people toward separatist ideology and orchestrated activities against the Indian state.

Charges and Methods:
The NIA accused the trio of spreading inflammatory messages and inciting hatred via social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, as well as through Pakistani media channels. Their actions were seen as attempts to incite communal discord and conduct anti-national activities, under the UAPA.

The court emphasized the seriousness of the charges, highlighting the role of Andrabi and her associates in fostering separatist propaganda and promoting terrorism.