NIA chargesheets six Hurriyat leaders in 1996 Srinagar violence case

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New Delhi, July 10

The National Investigation Agency has filed a chargesheet against six Hurriyat Conference leaders, including Shabir Ahmad Shah, in connection with a 1996 case of mob violence and firing on police personnel during a funeral procession in Srinagar.

The chargesheet, filed before the NIA Special Court in Jammu, names Shabir Ahmad Shah, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Abdul Ganie Lone, Mohd Yaqoob Wakeel, Javid Ahmad Mir and Shakeel Ahmad Bakshi. The accused have been charged with criminal conspiracy, attempt to murder, rioting and assault on public servants.

According to the NIA, the case relates to the funeral procession of slain militant Hilal Ahmad Beigh on July 17, 1996. The agency alleged that armed men mingled with the procession and opened fire on police personnel, while heavy stone pelting left several officers injured and caused extensive damage to government vehicles.

The agency further alleged that the Hurriyat leaders led the unlawful assembly, raised anti-India, pro-Pakistan and secessionist slogans, and delivered inflammatory speeches that incited violence. The NIA claimed the procession was used as a platform to promote separatist ideology, mobilise public support against the Government of India and provoke public disorder.

The charges against Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Abdul Ganie Lone and Mohd Yaqoob Wakeel have been abated following their deaths during the course of the proceedings. However, the NIA stated that its investigation found evidence establishing their alleged role in the conspiracy and the unlawful assembly.

The case was originally registered at Shergarhi Police Station in Srinagar on the day of the incident. The Ministry of Home Affairs transferred the investigation to the NIA in April 2026.