SRINAGAR: A nearly three-decade-old case linked to rioting, attempted murder, and unlawful activities has witnessed major progress with fresh arrests in Srinagar this week, officials said.
The case pertains to FIR No. 192/1996, registered at Police Station Shergarhi under various sections of the then Ranbir Penal Code, ULAP Act, and Arms Act. The FIR was filed after a violent procession on July 17, 1996, following the killing of Hilal Ahmad Beigh, an Allochi Bagh resident and militant who was killed in an encounter in Parimpora.
According to officials, the funeral procession — led by top Hurriyat figures Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Abdul Gani Lone, Mohammad Yaqoob Wakil, and Javid Ahmad Mir — turned violent when police attempted to stop it at Naaz Crossing. The mob allegedly hurled stones, raised anti-national slogans, and created a serious law-and-order situation.
It was further alleged that Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists opened fire at police under the cover of the mob, triggering retaliation from security forces. The crowd later dispersed, and the body was handed over to the family after formal procedures.
The initial probe identified seven accused, with Geelani and Lone arrested the same day and later released on bail. Authorities confirmed that three accused, including Geelani, have since died. Two others — Shabir Shah and Nayeem Khan — continue to remain in Tihar Jail, New Delhi, in connection with a separate NIA case.
In a significant update, Shakeel Ahmad Bakshi, former chief of the Islamic Students League, surrendered before the NIA Court in Srinagar on December 8, 2025, followed by Javid Ahmad Mir on December 9, 2025. Both were taken into custody after legal formalities. Officials noted that Bakshi has previously faced charges related to anti-national activities, including links through his brother with the banned JKLF.
Police said the investigation is progressing and that a challan (charge sheet) will be filed in court after completion of procedures.
