NIA Pushes for Death Penalty Against Yasin Malik in Terror Funding Case
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Wednesday urged the Delhi High Court to enhance the life sentence of jailed Kashmiri separatist Yasin Malik to a death penalty in a terrorist funding case. The agency contended that Malik's naming of senior politicians and bureaucrats does not absolve him or dilute his established connections with terrorists.
NIA Rebuts Malik's Affidavit with Evidence of Terror Links
In a rejoinder to Malik's affidavit, the NIA asserted that the 60-year-old chief of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) is "well connected with multiple terrorist organisations". The agency argued that Malik invoked names of politicians, media personnel, foreign delegates, and bureaucrats merely to gain popularity and sympathy, rather than to challenge the evidence against him.
The NIA emphasized that the case is based on solid evidence, not hearsay or "emotional narration". It cited material indicating Malik was in contact with Pakistani leadership, including the Prime Minister, President, senators, and provincial Chief Ministers, to propagate anti-India narratives and advance a secessionist agenda in Jammu and Kashmir.
Court Proceedings and Malik's Defense
A bench of Justices Navin Chawla and Ravinder Dudeja recorded the NIA's rejoinder and scheduled the appeal for hearing on July 21. The court directed that a copy of the rejoinder be supplied to Malik, who appeared virtually from Tihar Jail.
Malik had previously claimed in an 85-page affidavit that he spent nearly three decades in a state-backed "backchannel", working with successive Prime Ministers, intelligence chiefs, and business figures to promote peace in Jammu and Kashmir. His affidavit details his journey from school to militant links and alleged meetings with various politicians.
NIA Highlights Malik's Admissions and Conviction
The NIA countered Malik's claims by pointing out that the convict himself has admitted he was commander-in-chief of the JKLF. The agency cited Malik's own admissions of connections with Syed Salahuddin, chief of Hizbul Mujahideen, and other terrorists, including Lashkar-e-Taiba cofounder Hafiz Saeed, both based in Pakistan.
NIA further argued that Malik cannot "revisit" issues after his conviction, noting there was ample opportunity to raise objections during the trial. A Delhi trial court had awarded Malik life imprisonment on May 24, 2022, after convicting him under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The agency's push for a death penalty underscores its stance that Malik's actions warrant the severest punishment due to his deep-seated involvement with terrorist entities and efforts to destabilize the region.
