New Delhi, March 25 (NationPress) A Delhi court has sentenced Kashmiri separatist Asiya Andrabi to life imprisonment under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), eliciting strong and varied reactions from political leaders across the spectrum.

Additional Sessions Judge Chander Jit Singh announced the sentence after the conclusion of arguments regarding the severity of the punishment. Andrabi, who leads Dukhtaran-e-Millat, was previously convicted on charges that included waging war against the nation and engaging in criminal conspiracy.

BJP spokesperson Altaf Thakur expressed support for the court's ruling, asserting that Andrabi was heavily involved in activities from stone-pelting to recruiting for militant operations. He accused her of playing a pivotal role in inciting unrest and disturbing peace in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Kashmir Valley.

BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh also endorsed the judgment, describing it as a “clear and firm message of stringent action against terrorism.”

He emphasized that in 'New India', there is no room for anti-national elements, stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's zero-tolerance approach to terrorism is being effectively enforced.

From a procedural standpoint, Sheikh Bashir of the National Conference remarked that the judgment should be respected as it adheres to the judicial process.

He mentioned that the trial was conducted in court and the sentence was delivered thereafter, stating that Andrabi has the legal right to appeal to a higher court if she chooses to contest the ruling.

“This exemplifies true justice. It is the court's decision; it is the law, and the law must be upheld,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Mehbooba Mufti, president of the PDP and former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, offered a different perspective, focusing on humanitarian issues. While she recognized her long-standing ideological differences with Andrabi, Mufti suggested that it is essential to consider the human element, pointing out that Andrabi has already spent numerous years in custody and considering her age as well.

Mufti further contended that life imprisonment until natural death should be abolished nationwide, proposing that it be interpreted as a fixed term, such as 14 years, as was previously understood in many other cases. She called for a reevaluation of Andrabi's case on these grounds.

The allegations against Andrabi involve promoting separatist activities and garnering support for militancy, with agencies accusing her of being significantly involved in operations against the nation.