New Delhi: (Azadi Times) The Indian National Investigation Agency (NIA) has moved the Delhi High Court seeking the death penalty for Yasin Malik, the chief of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF).
Malik was sentenced to life imprisonment by a special NIA court in May 2022 in a terror funding case.
The NIA has argued that Malik is a “threat to national security” and that his activities have “endangered the sovereignty and integrity of India.” The agency has also alleged that Yasin Malik has been involved in “waging war against the government of India.”
Malik’s lawyers have argued that the NIA’s case against him is “politically motivated” and that he is being punished for his political beliefs. They have also argued that the death penalty is a “disproportionate” punishment for Malik’s crimes.
The Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear the NIA’s plea on May 29.
Background
Yasin Malik is a Kashmiri pro-freedom leader who has been fighting for the independence of Jammu Kashmir from India and Pakistan for over three decades. He was arrested in 2019 and charged with terror funding and sedition. In May 2022, he was sentenced to life imprisonment by a special NIA court.
Malik has denied all charges against him and has said that he is being punished for his political beliefs. He has also said that he does not trust the Indian judiciary.
Also Read: JKLF Honors Yasin Malik on Anniversary of Life Sentence
Reactions
The NIA’s move to seek the death penalty for Malik has been met with mixed reactions. Some people have welcomed the move, saying that Malik is a “threat to national security” and that he deserves to be punished. Others have condemned the move, saying that it is a “political witch hunt” and that Malik is being punished for his political beliefs.
The decision of the Delhi High Court will be closely watched by people across India and Kashmir. The outcome of the case could have a significant impact on the ongoing conflict in Kashmir.