NIA Files Chargesheet Against Shabir Shah, Five Other Hurriyat Leaders In 1996 Srinagar Violence Case

New Delhi, July 10: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday filed a chargesheet against six senior Hurriyat Conference leaders in connection with a 1996 Srinagar violence case involving alleged mob attacks, assault on police personnel and criminal conspiracy during a funeral procession. The chargesheet was submitted before the NIA Special Court in Jammu in a case initially registered at Police Station Shergarhi, Srinagar, following violent incidents on July 17, 1996, during the funeral procession of slain militant Hilal Ahmad Beigh. City& Local Guides The accused named in the chargesheet include Shabir Ahmad Shah, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Abdul Ganie Lone, Mohd Yaqoob Wakeel alias Mohd Yaqoob Vakil, Javid Ahmad Mir and Shakeel Ahmad Bakshi. The accused have been booked under multiple sections of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC), 1989, including criminal conspiracy, attempt to murder, rioting and assault on public servants, along with provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The NIA said proceedings against Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Abdul Ganie Lone and Mohd Yaqoob Wakeel have abated following their deaths during the course of the proceedings. However, their alleged roles in the conspiracy and unlawful assembly have been detailed in the chargesheet based on evidence gathered during the investigation. According to the agency, the investigation revealed that the Hurriyat leaders allegedly led an unlawful gathering during the funeral procession and incited violence against police personnel at Naaz Crossing in Srinagar. The NIA further alleged that armed militants mixed with the crowd and opened fire on security personnel, injuring several officials, while government vehicles were damaged during stone-pelting. The agency also claimed that anti-India, pro-Pakistan and secessionist slogans were raised during the incident and inflammatory speeches were delivered allegedly supporting armed struggle. The NIA stated that its investigation indicated the violence was part of a larger conspiracy aimed at using the funeral procession to promote separatist ideology, provoke unrest, incite attacks on law enforcement agencies and demonstrate the organisational strength of the Hurriyat Conference in Jammu and Kashmir. The case, registered as RC-01/2026/NIA/JMU, was taken over by the NIA in April 2026 following directions from the Ministry of Home Affairs after being investigated initially by the Jammu and Kashmir Police. The agency said further investigation in the matter is underway.