TIHAR: Kashmiri liberation leader Yasin Malik informed the Delhi High Court he will defend himself in the appeal moved by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) seeking the death penalty for him in a 2016 terror funding case.
Yasin Malik’s decision exposed the justice system of India claiming to be the world’s largest democracy. The entire justice system worked under the influence of the Hindutva-led policies of the BJP aiming to target Kashmir — the only Muslim-majority state and a disputed area yet to be settled as per the resolutions of the United Nations.
Pakistan demands a free and fair plebiscite in the state of Jammu Kashmir held illegally by the Indian authorities.
As per the Indian media reports, while appearing before Justice Suresh Kait and Girish Kathpalia through video conference from Tihar jail, Malik pointed out that while he was allowed to be produced before the court physically, the Delhi High Court passed an order on August 4, 2023, directing that he would be presented before the court through “video-conferencing alone”, without hearing him.
Malik requested that the high court record in the order that he was not allowed to be heard when the order was passed.
To this, the bench said as per procedure, he could challenge the same before the Supreme Court, but the high court itself cannot record the ex-parte nature of the earlier order.
Pakistan’s Foreign Office has raised serious concerns over the prolonged detention and alleged mistreatment of Kashmiri leader Yasin Malik. The Foreign Office has labeled Malik’s imprisonment as “unfair” and a “denial of fair trial,” sparking international attention to the human rights situation in the region.
Yasin Malik, a prominent figure in Kashmiri politics, has been held in custody under what Pakistan describes as a “30-year-old false case.” His family, including his 11-year-old daughter Razia Sultana and wife Mashal Malik, have been vocal in their calls for his release, citing deteriorating health and lack of access to proper medical treatment.
According to reports, Yasin Malik is currently detained in the notorious Tihar Jail, where conditions are said to be inhumane. Pakistan has urged India to drop the charges against Malik and provide him with quality medical care.
The Foreign Office’s statement highlights the deep concern over India’s use of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act of 2008 against Malik, accusing India of exceeding “moral and legal limits.” This move has garnered condemnation not only from Pakistan but also from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Liaison Group.
‘Health alarmingly deteriorates in Tihar Jail’
The health condition of the incarcerated Chairman of Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front, Muhammad Yasin Malik, has alarmingly deteriorated in India’s infamous Tihar Jail in New Delhi.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the weight of the Kashmiri leader has significantly dropped in the last two months, and he continues to face denial of necessary medical facilities, putting his life in danger.
Despite court orders, Muhammad Yasin Malik has not received medical treatment nor admitted to hospital for necessary tests. Yasin Malik’s special representative and JKLF chief spokesman, Muhammad Rafiq Dar, briefed party leaders on the situation, stating that despite weight loss and underlying medical issues, Malik is being denied proper medical treatment. He criticized the Indian judicial system for toeing the Modi government’s line instead of upholding justice, particularly in cases involving Kashmiri pro-freedom leaders.
Yasin Malik, a chronic heart patient, has undergone surgeries and suffers from various health issues, including aortic heart valve disease, facial nerve paralysis, and recurrent renal stones. His personal physician has advised regular monitoring of his heart valve condition.
