SRINAGAR: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday filed a chargesheet against six senior Hurriyat Conference leaders, including Shabir Ahmad Shah, in connection with the 1996 Srinagar violence case, alleging they conspired to incite large-scale violence against police personnel during the funeral procession of slain militant Hilal Ahmad Beigh and used the event to promote separatist and anti-India activities.
According to an NIA spokesperson, the chargesheet was filed before the NIA Special Court in Jammu against Shabir Ahmad Shah, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Abdul Ganie Lone, Mohammad Yaqoob Wakeel alias Mohammad Yaqoob Vakil, Javid Ahmad Mir and Shakeel Ahmad Bakshi.
The accused have been charged under relevant provisions of the Ranbir Penal Code, 1989, including criminal conspiracy, attempt to murder, rioting and assault on public servants, along with Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
The agency said the proceedings against Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Abdul Ganie Lone and Mohammad Yaqoob Wakeel have abated following their deaths. However, it said the chargesheet establishes their alleged roles in the criminal conspiracy and unlawful assembly, supported by evidence gathered during the investigation.
According to the NIA, the investigation found that the six accused led an unlawful assembly and allegedly instigated large-scale violence against police personnel during the funeral procession of Hilal Ahmad Beigh at Naaz Crossing in Srinagar on July 17, 1996.
The agency alleged that armed militants had mingled with the procession and opened indiscriminate fire at police personnel, injuring several officers, while government vehicles were extensively damaged in heavy stone-pelting.
The NIA further alleged that the accused raised anti-India, pro-Pakistan and secessionist slogans and delivered inflammatory speeches advocating armed struggle. It claimed the violence formed part of a pre-planned conspiracy to use the funeral procession to propagate separatist ideology, mobilise public support against the Government of India, incite violence against law enforcement agencies and demonstrate the Hurriyat’s influence in Jammu and Kashmir.
The case was originally registered at Shergarhi Police Station in Srinagar on the day of the incident. The Ministry of Home Affairs transferred the investigation to the NIA in April 2026. The agency said further investigation is continuing.
