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The Special NIA Court today convicted Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front terrorist Yasin Malik in connection with Jammu & Kashmir terror funding and secessionist activities case.

The sentence is expected to be pronounced on May 25. Malik has also been asked to submit an affidavit putting forth his financial condition as well, apart from the NIA doing so in order to ascertain the fine which may be imposed on the terrorist.

On May 10, the flag bearer of JKLF had pleaded guilty before the NIA court to all charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The court was hearing further arguments in the matter today for the quantum of sentencing. 

A Delhi court on May 30, 2017, had framed charges against 12 accused persons including two absconding accused Hafiz Mohammad Saeed (head of LeT) and Mohd. Yusuf Shah @ Salahuddin (head of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen), including Yasin Malik under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967 (UAPA) in connection with the Jammu & Kashmir terror funding and secessionist activities case.

It was also alleged that funds for the operation were collected, domestically and abroad, through various illegal channels including hawala for funding separatist and terrorist activities in J&K. The accused had entered into a larger conspiracy for causing disruption in Kashmir valley by stone pelting, burning schools and buildings, damage to public property and waging war against India. 

In 2016, Malik along with other Hurriyat leaders had formed a self-styled group called 'Joint Resistance Leadership',  whereby they started issuing directions to the masses to hold protests,  demonstrations,  hartals, shutdowns,  road-blocks and other disruptive activities which would push the entire society into chaos and lawlessness.

Malik was also involved in raising funds from LOC traders, and various entities based abroad and distributing those funds among militants and stone-pelters for funding stone-pelting and demonstrations.

Ministry of Home Affairs vide order dated May 30, 2017, had then directed the NIA to register a case, which was registered under Sections 120B, 121, 121A of the Indian Penal Code,1860 and Sections 13, 15, 17, 18, 20, 38 and 39 of UAPA, 1967.

Case Title: NIA vs. Hafiz Muhammad Saeed & Ors.