Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
Srinagar, Jul 10: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday filed a chargesheet against Kashmiri separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah and five other senior Hurriyat Conference leaders in connection with the 1996 Srinagar violence case involving attacks on police personnel during a funeral procession.
The chargesheet was submitted before the NIA Special Court in Jammu and names Shabir Ahmad Shah, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Abdul Ganie Lone, Mohd. Yaqoob Wakeel alias Mohd. Yaqoob Vakil, Javid Ahmad Mir and Shakeel Ahmad Bakshi as accused.
According to the NIA, the accused have been booked under provisions of the Ranbir Penal Code, 1989, relating to criminal conspiracy, attempt to murder, rioting and assault on public servants, along with Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
The agency clarified that proceedings against Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Abdul Ganie Lone and Mohd. Yaqoob Wakeel have been terminated due to their deaths during the course of the case. However, the investigation has documented their alleged involvement in the conspiracy and unlawful assembly, supported by evidence gathered during the probe.
The case pertains to violence that erupted on July 17, 1996, during the funeral procession of slain militant Hilal Ahmad Beigh at Naaz Crossing in Srinagar. The NIA alleged that the six Hurriyat leaders led the procession and incited the crowd, which later turned violent.
Investigators said armed militants had mingled with the procession and opened indiscriminate fire on police personnel, injuring several officers. Government vehicles were also damaged as protesters allegedly resorted to heavy stone-pelting.
According to the agency's findings in case RC-01/2026/NIA/JMU, the accused allegedly raised anti-India, pro-Pakistan and separatist slogans while delivering speeches that promoted armed resistance and encouraged violence.
The NIA further stated that its investigation concluded the violence was part of a pre-planned conspiracy in which the funeral procession was allegedly used to spread separatist ideology, mobilise public support against the Government of India, provoke unrest and attacks on security forces, and demonstrate the organisational strength of the Hurriyat Conference in Jammu and Kashmir.
The case was originally registered at Shergarhi Police Station in Srinagar on the day of the incident in 1996. The Ministry of Home Affairs transferred the investigation to the NIA in April 2026, and the agency said further investigation into the matter is continuing.