Yasin Malik’s sentencing

A kangaroo court in New Delhi has sentenced Kashmiri independence activist Yasin Malik to life in jail on a series of trumped-up charges. Malik, who has peacefully opposed the Indian occupation of the region, started out as a freedom fighter but put down his arms 30 years ago. Since then, despite being detained several times over protests and other opposition activities, he has never faced significant charges or been accused of orchestrating violence until his 2019 arrest and detention in the dreaded Tihar Jail near New Delhi. But despite his record of non-violence, the JKLF leader was charged with terrorism, terror financing, sedition and several related charges. He, however, chose to plead guilty rather than “beg” Indian authorities. The sentencing, which took place in New Delhi on Wednesday, was followed by a new wave of unrest across the valley.

Malik’s arrest on fabricated charges was condemned by all and sundry in Pakistan. PM Shehbaz Sharif referred to his sentencing as a ‘black day’, and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto condemned the ‘sham trial’. Islamabad also lodged complaints with Indian diplomats and vowed to raise the persecution of non-violent Kashmiri leaders at all international forums. Pakistani leaders also noted that such oppression of peaceful Kashmiri opposition to the Indian occupation will only serve to invigorate peaceful activists and freedom fighters alike.

It is also notable that Malik has been clubbed in with the leaders of several violent terrorist groups for the purpose of the investigation, including Hafiz Saeed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and its successors — all of which are also banned in Pakistan. While New Delhi has long tried to portray members of the armed resistance groups as terrorists rather than freedom fighters, it is alarming how the Modi regime is now attempting to malign even peaceful opponents of Indian occupation. Malik has often referred to his opposition as a follower of the non-violent principles of Mahatma Gandhi, and has been true to his word. Unfortunately, BJP, RSS, and several other Hindutva groups consider Gandhi a traitor — which is why he was assassinated.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 27^th, 2022.

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