The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a chargesheet against six senior Hurriyat leaders in connection with a 1996 case involving alleged violence during a funeral procession in Srinagar that reportedly led to attacks on police personnel.

The chargesheet was submitted before the Special NIA Court in Jammu in case RC 01/2026/NIA/JMU.

Those named in the chargesheet are Shabir Ahmad Shah, Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Abdul Ganie Lone, Mohammad Yaqoob Wakeel, Javid Ahmad Mir and Shakeel Ahmad Bakshi. The NIA stated that proceedings against Geelani, Lone and Wakeel have abated following their deaths. However, the agency said the chargesheet contains evidence relating to their alleged involvement in the case.

According to the NIA, the accused have been booked under provisions of the Ranbir Penal Code for offences including criminal conspiracy, attempt to murder, rioting and assault on public servants, along with Section 13 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The agency alleged that the accused led an unlawful assembly during the funeral procession of slain Hizbul Mujahideen member Hilal Ahmad Beigh at Naaz Crossing in Srinagar on July 17, 1996. It claimed that armed militants mixed with the crowd and opened fire on police personnel, injuring several officers, while government vehicles were damaged during incidents of stone pelting.

The investigation agency further alleged that the gathering was addressed with anti India, pro Pakistan and secessionist slogans, along with speeches supporting armed struggle. It said the violence was part of a pre planned conspiracy aimed at promoting separatist ideology, mobilising public support against the Government of India, provoking unrest and inciting violence against security forces.

The case was initially registered at Shergarhi Police Station in Srinagar on July 17, 1996. The Ministry of Home Affairs transferred the investigation to the NIA in April 2026. The agency said further investigation into the case is underway.