Srinagar, Jul 10 (NVI): The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday filed a chargesheet against six separatist Kashmiri leaders, including Shabir Shah and late Syed Ali Shah Geelani, in connection with a 1996 case involving mob violence and firing on police personnel during a funeral procession in Srinagar, officials said.
The chargesheet, filed before the Special NIA Court in Jammu, also names late Hurriyat leader Abdul Gani Lone, Mohammad Yaqoob Vakil, Javed Ahmad Mir and Shakeel Ahmad Bakshi.
The agency said the accused have been booked under provisions of the erstwhile Ranbir Penal Code related to criminal conspiracy, attempt to murder, rioting and assault on public servants, along with Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
According to the NIA, proceedings against Geelani, Lone and Vakil have abated following their deaths during the pendency of the case. However, the chargesheet details their alleged roles in the conspiracy and unlawful assembly, supported by evidence collected during the investigation.
The case pertains to an incident on July 17, 1996, when a funeral procession of slain militant Hilal Ahmad Beigh allegedly turned violent near Naaz Crossing in Srinagar.
The NIA alleged that the procession, led by Hurriyat leaders, was infiltrated by armed militants who opened indiscriminate fire on police personnel, while members of the mob resorted to heavy stone-pelting, injuring several policemen and damaging government vehicles.
The investigation further alleged that the accused raised anti-India, pro-Pakistan and secessionist slogans and delivered speeches advocating armed struggle, leading to large-scale violence.
According to the agency, the violence was part of a pre-planned criminal conspiracy to use the funeral procession to promote separatist ideology, mobilise public support against the Government of India and incite violence against law enforcement agencies.
The case was originally registered at Shergarhi police station in Srinagar on the day of the incident. The NIA re-registered the case in April this year after taking over the investigation on the directions of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Further investigation is underway, the agency said.(NVI)
