A special court in Delhi has sentenced Yasin Malik, a separatist leader of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, to life imprisonment, convicted in a terror funding case.
Along with this, a fine of ten lakh rupees has also been imposed. Security agencies keep a close watch in the Kashmir Valley to avoid any untoward incidents.
Special judge Praveen Singh had, on May 19, convicted Yasin of all charges under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). Due to the hearing of Yasin Malik’s case, security arrangements are tight outside the Patiala House Court.
Many supporters gathered outside Yasin Malik’s house in the Kashmir Valley, who are raising slogans in support of Yasin. The security system in the area is very strict. Drones are being monitored. The atmosphere is tense, and police and other security forces monitor the situation.
The NIA demanded capital punishment for the guilty Malik when the trial began. To which Yasin said that I leave the decision to the court’s discretion, I will not beg anyone. I will accept the hanging. If the investigating agencies prove that I have been involved in terrorist activities, I will retire from politics. I have worked with seven prime ministers.
Hearing the last arguments of all the parties, the court had reserved the decision in this matter till 3.30 pm. It also directed the officials of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to assess Malik’s financial position so that the amount of the fine could be determined.
Yasin had told the court on May 10 that he would no longer face the terror act, terror funding, terrorist acts, sedition, and cheating cases against him. The court formally framed charges against 20 Kashmiri separatist leaders, including Farooq Ahmed Dar alias Bitta Karate, Shabir Shah, Masarat Alam, Mohammad Yusuf Shah, Aftab Ahmed Shah, Altaf Ahmed Shah, and Naeem Khan, Mohammad Akbar Khande, Raja Mehrajuddin Kalwal were.