Mehbooba, Mirwaiz seek relaxation in separatist Asiya Andrabi’s sentence

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti and Kashmir chief cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Wednesday (March 25, 2026) demanded relaxation in the sentence of separatist Asiya Andrabi, who headed the banned Dukhtaran-e-Millat (DeM). 

“I may have differences with her ideology and approach but the sentence served to her needs to be relooked. Given her age and the fact that she served many years in the jails, Andrabi should be released on parole, even if is conditional,” said Ms. Mufti.

The former J&K Chief Minister also demanded amendment to the current life sentence tenure. “Law regarding the life sentence needs to be amended. A life sentence should be for 14 years, as it used to be in the past,” said Ms. Mufti.  

A special court of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday (March 24, 2026) sentenced Andrabi to life imprisonment and her accomplices, Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen, were awarded 30 years in jail and a fine in connection with a Kashmir secession conspiracy case filed in 2018. 

The Mirwaiz termed the sentence as “a matter of concern”.

“The sentencing of Asiya Andrabi sahiba and her colleagues is a matter of concern. Given the years already spent in detention, the sentence stands out for its severity and harshness. We hope that in line with democratic principles, and on humanitarian grounds their case be reviewed with sensitivity and compassion, especially considering Asiya ji’s age and health and they be released,” said the Mirwaiz. 

Andrabi was convicted in January 2026 by the trial court under Sections 18, 38 and 39 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) and Sections 153A, 153B, 120B, 121A and 505 of the Indian Penal Code. 

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s foreign office, in a statement issued on X, termed the sentences against Andrabi and her accomplices as “a grave miscarriage of justice” and “reflects the continuing suppression of fundamental rights.

“Pakistan views this decision as part of a broader pattern of politically motivated prosecutions aimed at silencing dissenting voices and intimidating those advocating the legitimate rights of the Kashmiri people. The sentencing raises serious concerns regarding due process, judicial independence, and adherence to international human rights obligations,” said the statement.