New Delhi, July 10 -- The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against six senior Hurriyat Conference leaders in connection with a 1996 case involving mob violence, instigation and firing at police personnel during a funeral procession in Srinagar.
The chargesheet was filed before a special court in Jammu against Shabir Ahmad Shah, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Abdul Ganie Lone, Mohammad Yaqoob Wakeel alias Mohammad Yaqoob Vakil, Javid Ahmad Mir and Shakeel Ahmad Bakshi. They have been charged under various provisions of the erstwhile Ranbir Penal Code, including criminal conspiracy, attempt to murder, rioting and assault on public servants, along with Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
The NIA said proceedings against Geelani, Lone and Wakeel have been closed following their deaths, though the investigation found sufficient evidence of their involvement in the alleged conspiracy and unlawful assembly.
The case relates to violence that broke out at NAZ Crossing in Srinagar on July 17, 1996, during the funeral procession of slain terrorist Hilal Ahmad Beigh. According to the agency, the accused led the procession and allegedly instigated the mob, which included terrorists who opened indiscriminate fire at security personnel, injuring several policemen. The mob also allegedly pelted stones at government vehicles.
The investigation further found that anti-India and pro-Pakistan slogans were raised and speeches were delivered advocating armed struggle. The NIA alleged that separatists and terrorists used the funeral procession to incite violence and create unrest to promote their ideology of the dismemberment of India.
The case was transferred to the NIA by the Ministry of Home Affairs in April 2026. Further investigation is
continuing. MPOST
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.