NIA files chargesheet against Shabir Ahmad Shah and five Hurriyat leaders for 1996 Srinagar violence

The NIA filed a chargesheet against six Hurriyat Conference leaders for 1996 violence. These charges include criminal conspiracy and attempt to murder during a militant's funeral. The agency claims the violence was part of a larger separatist conspiracy. The case was transferred to the NIA from J&K Police in April. A Jammu court rejected Shabir Ahmad Shah's bail plea last week.

New Delhi, July 10: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday filed charge sheets against six separatist leaders of the Hurriyat Conference, including Shabir Ahmad Shah, in a 1996 case linked to mob violence and firing on police personnel in Srinagar.The charge sheet was filed before the NIA Special Court in Jammu and names Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Abdul Ganie Lone, Mohd Yaqoob Wakeel alias Mohd Yaqoob Vakil, Javid Ahmad Mir and Shakeel Ahmad Bakshi, besides Shah, according to a statement issued by the probe agency.Old Case Fresh ActionThe NIA said all six have been charged with criminal conspiracy, attempt to murder, rioting and assault on public servants. The charges against Geelani, Lone and Wakeel stand abated as they died during the pendency of the proceedings.However, the agency claimed that the charge sheet established their alleged roles in the criminal conspiracy and the common object of an unlawful assembly, along with supporting evidence.During the investigation, the NIA said it found that the six leaders had led an unlawful assembly and allegedly instigated large-scale violence against police personnel during the funeral procession of slain terrorist Hilal Ahmad Beigh in Srinagar on July 17, 1996.Funeral Procession Under ScannerAccording to the agency, armed terrorists blended with the procession, which was jointly led by the Hurriyat leaders, and fired indiscriminately at police personnel. Several police officials were injured in the violence, while government vehicles were extensively damaged during stone-pelting, PTI reports.The NIA said the leaders had actively incited violence by raising anti-India, pro-Pakistan and secessionist slogans. The agency also claimed that they delivered inflammatory speeches advocating armed struggle.The probe agency said its investigation established that the violence was part of a larger, pre-planned criminal conspiracy by the Hurriyat leadership to use the funeral procession as a platform to propagate separatist ideology, mobilise public support against the Government of India, provoke public disorder and incite violence against law enforcement agencies.Also Watch: NIA Files Supplementary Chargesheet Against Two More Accused In 2024 Assam Independence Day IED CaseThe statement added that the incident was also aimed at demonstrating the strength of the Hurriyat in Jammu & Kashmir.An FIR was initially registered at the Shergarhi Police Station in Srinagar on the day of the violence. The NIA took over the case in April 2026 on the directions of the Ministry of Home Affairs.To get details on exclusive and budget-friendly property deals in Mumbai & surrounding regions, do visit: https://budgetproperties.in/

Agency alleges Hurriyat leaders orchestrated a pre-planned conspiracy to turn militant Hilal Ahmad Beigh's funeral into a violent anti-India mobilisation.

The National Investigation Agency filed chargesheet against Shabir Ahmad Shah and five Hurriyat leaders. This case relates to a 1996 incident of mob violence and firing on police. The agency alleged leaders incited violence and raised secessionist slogans during a funeral procession. Evidence collected establishes their roles in the criminal conspiracy and unlawful assembly. The investigation into this 1996 incident is continuing.

The FIR was initially registered at Shergarhi Police Station in Srinagar on the day of the incident. The NIA took over the probe in April 2026 following directions from the MHA.

In a significant development, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) is set to file a chargesheet against Shabir Ahmad Shah in connection with the 1996 funeral violence case. According to the investigation, the chargesheet relates to allegations surrounding violence linked to a funeral procession in Jammu & Kashmir. The filing of the chargesheet marks an important procedural step in the case and will place the agency's findings before the court for judicial consideration. n18oc_breaking-newsn18oc_india News18 Mobile App - https://onelink.to/desc-youtube