New Delhi, July 10: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against six senior Hurriyat Conference leaders, including Shabir Ahmad Shah, in connection with a 1996 mob violence case involving attacks on police personnel during a funeral procession in Srinagar.
The chargesheet was filed before the NIA Special Court in Jammu in case RC-01/2026/NIA/JMU, which the agency took over in April 2026 on the directions of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
Six Leaders Named
The chargesheet names:
- Shabir Ahmad Shah
- Syed Ali Shah Geelani (deceased)
- Abdul Ganie Lone (deceased)
- Mohd. Yaqoob Wakeel @ Mohd. Yaqoob Vakil (deceased)
- Javid Ahmad Mir
- Shakeel Ahmad Bakshi
The NIA has charged them under provisions of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC) for criminal conspiracy, attempt to murder, rioting, and assault on public servants, along with Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967.
Charges Against Deceased Leaders
Although Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Abdul Ganie Lone and Mohd. Yaqoob Wakeel have passed away, the NIA stated that the charges against them stand legally abated. However, the agency said its investigation established their alleged roles in the conspiracy and unlawful assembly through supporting evidence.
Incident Dates Back to 1996
According to the NIA, the incident occurred on 17 July 1996 during the funeral procession of slain militant Hilal Ahmad Beigh at Naaz Crossing in Srinagar.
The agency alleges that the procession, led by the Hurriyat leaders, turned violent after armed terrorists allegedly mixed with the crowd and opened indiscriminate fire at police personnel. Several police officials were injured, while government vehicles were damaged in heavy stone-pelting.
Allegations by NIA
The investigation claims that the accused leaders:
- Led an unlawful assembly.
- Raised anti-India, pro-Pakistan and secessionist slogans.
- Delivered speeches allegedly advocating armed struggle.
- Incited the crowd to violence against security forces.
The NIA further alleges that the funeral procession was used as a platform to propagate separatist ideology, mobilise public support against the Government of India, provoke public disorder and demonstrate the strength of the Hurriyat Conference in Jammu and Kashmir.
Investigation Continues
The case was originally registered at Shergarhi Police Station, Srinagar, on the day of the incident in 1996. It was re-investigated by the NIA after the MHA transferred the case to the central agency earlier this year.
The NIA has stated that the investigation is continuing, and further action will be taken based on the evidence collected during the probe.