Asiya Andrabi

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Asiya Andrabi is the leader of Dukhtaran-e-Millat (Daughters of the Nation). This ultra-Islamic group is part of the separatist APHC in the Kashmir valley. The main aim of the organization is the imposition of Islamic Law Sharia in Kashmir as well as separation from India .

Background

Born in 1962, Asiya Andrabi, a vociferous orator, graduated in Home Science from University of Kashmir in 1981. Daughter of a physician, Syed Sahabuddin Andrabi, Aasiya wanted to become a scientist and to move to neighboring, Himachal Pradesh in pursuit of higher studies. But her brother’s refusal changed her destiny. Her close aides said she used to spend most of her time at home and one day, by chance, read a book ‘Khawateen Ke Dilon Ki Bateen’ from her father’s library based on the rights and duties of Muslim women. She was moved by the status of women in Islam and this proved a turning point in her life. She learnt Arabic to propagate the teachings of Islam. Aasiya formed the Dukhtaran-e-Millat (daughters of the community) in the eighties. However, after the eruption of militancy, she spearheaded a reformist movement among women prompting a ban of her organization. Around the same time, she found a match in Muhammad Qasim alias Aashiq Husain Faktoo, then a commander of Jamait-ul-Muhajideen. However, the couple couldn’t stay together for long. They were arrested along with their newborn, Muhammad Bin Qasim. They were booked under Public Safety Act and shifted to Jammu Central Jail. Her husband was booked under Terrorism and Disruptive Act and given life sentence. Despite passing of over 17 years in jail, he has not been released yet. Over the years, Aasiya has been arrested and booked for various charges. During the Amarnath land row and subsequent killing of over 60 youth, Aasiya led massive protests and was again booked under the PSA. She remained in custody for over six months. Though, the High Court quashed the PSA and released her, Aasiya was again arrested after she staged protests against the Shopian double murder and rape in 2009. She along with her associates were booked under PSA. Aasiya’s fame even reached Bollywood and inspired filmmakers to depict her life in films. But she halted their efforts by threatening legal action against the producer.

Dukhtaran-e-Millat

Aasiya was recently in dock after some New Delhi based newspapers accused her of double-standards for demanding passport for her elder son, Muhammad Bin Qasim to study abroad.However she had vehemently denied the charges terming it as an attempt to divert attention from the ongoing situation in the Valley. Her sons are still in the Indian administered Kashmir and have not left the troubled state.

Activities

Her activities are purely religious.

References

External links