The Yasin Malik Files

Just days ago, life was normal in the narrow lanes of Maisuma in Srinagar, around the home of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Yasin Malik. Shops were open, traffic normal.

- Moazum Mohammad

GANDHI & GUNS

Yasin being brought to court on May 25

KASHMIR

Nothing to suggest that, on May 19, Kashmir's top separatist leader had been convicted by a National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in Delhi on charges that could even bring a death sentence. On May 25, sentencing day, the NIA indeed argued for death, citing charges ranging from terrorism to fuelling secessionist activities. Charges that Yasin, as before, chose not to contest. I will not beg for anything, he said in court, leaving it to judicial wisdom. I have worked with seven prime ministers. If Indian intelligence could prove he had been associated with any violence for 28 years, then he said he was ready to be hanged-saying he had followed Mahatma Gandhi's path. The court finally pronounced a life sentence. Out in Maisuma, the old slogans rang out as a small crowd of women and youth poured out their anger in well-rehearsed lines-like in a play in which everyone knew their part.

The 56-year-old was arrested in February 2019 as part of the crackdown against Kashmir's separatist leaders after the Pulwama suicide attack. Initially, he was slapped with the J&K Public Safety Act-which allows detention without trial for up to two years. But things took a decisive turn soon. In March, the JKLF was banned for five years. A month later, Yasin was shifted to NIA custody. A case opened in 2017 became the focus: he was charged under the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). Booked alongside a dozen separatists, Yasin is the sole one to not contest the charges. The court-appointed an amicus curiae for him as he refused to have a lawyer, but even after being counselled about the consequences, he pleaded guilty.