Conviction of 64-year-old founder of banned women’s group Dukhtaran-e-Millat sparks criticism over use of UAPA against political dissent in disputed region.
An Indian court has sentenced prominent Kashmiri activist and separatist leader Aasiya Andrabi to three concurrent life terms in prison, in a case critics say exemplifies New Delhi’s use of stringent anti-terror legislation to silence voices calling for self-determination in the disputed Himalayan region.
Andrabi, the founder and chairperson of the all-women’s organisation Dukhtaran-e-Millat (Daughters of the Nation), was convicted by a special National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in New Delhi on March 24 under multiple provisions of India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code. Her two associates, Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen, were each sentenced to 30 years in jail.
The 64-year-old grandmother, who has spent years in detention, was found guilty of charges including criminal conspiracy, waging war against the state, and membership of a banned organisation. Indian authorities have long accused Dukhtaran-e-Millat of promoting separatism and supporting militant activities in Kashmir, though critics note that the case rested largely on speeches and statements rather than proven acts of violence.
Background of Aasiya Andrabi and Controversy Over Her Conviction:
Andrabi established Dukhtaran-e-Millat in 1987 as a socio-political and religious group focused on women’s education and rights within an Islamic framework. The organisation has advocated for Kashmir’s independence or merger with Pakistan and has been vocal against Indian rule in the region. It was banned by the Indian government, which designated it a terrorist outfit.
Andrabi was arrested by the NIA in 2018 along with her associates and has been held primarily in Delhi’s Tihar Jail, far from her family in Kashmir. Legal experts and human rights activists have described the sentencing as disproportionately harsh, pointing out that authorities failed to prove direct involvement in any violent acts or funding of terrorism.
“These life sentences fit into India’s broader pattern of criminalising dissent in Kashmir,” said one legal analyst, noting that UAPA cases often result in prolonged detention with low acquittal rates. The law has faced widespread criticism for its broad definitions and reversal of the burden of proof, making it difficult for the accused to secure bail or fair trials.
Reactions and concerns over freedom of speech:
The verdict has drawn sharp condemnation from Kashmiri activists, human rights groups, and Pakistan, which described it as a “grave miscarriage of justice” and part of systematic efforts to suppress legitimate political aspirations in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir.
Indian officials, however, maintain that Andrabi and her group posed a threat to national security through their separatist activities and alleged links to banned militant networks. The NIA had argued that the women were involved in a conspiracy to wage war against India.
The case comes amid ongoing restrictions in Kashmir following the 2019 revocation of the region’s special autonomous status. Since then, Indian authorities have intensified crackdowns on separatist leaders, journalists, and civil society voices, often invoking UAPA and other security laws.
A symbol of resistance or threat to unity?
For many in Kashmir, Andrabi represents a rare female voice in the decades-long struggle over the region’s future. Supporters portray her as a scholar and advocate who mobilised women through education and religious awareness programmes, while opponents label her activities as instigating unrest.
As Andrabi and her associates begin serving their sentences, concerns are growing over the health and conditions of the elderly activist, who has reportedly faced multiple health issues during her prolonged detention. Her family and lawyers have called for her transfer closer to Kashmir to allow better access and family visits.
The sentencing underscores the deep divide over Kashmir, a territory claimed in full by both India and Pakistan and home to a long-running insurgency and popular demands for self-determination. International human rights organisations have repeatedly urged India to review its use of draconian laws in the region and ensure fair trials for political detainees.
With Andrabi now facing the rest of her life behind bars, the case is likely to fuel further debate about the balance between security and civil liberties in one of the world’s most militarised and contested regions.