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The Special NIA Court has sentenced Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front terrorist Yasin Malik to life imprisonment.

On May 19, Malik was convicted by the Court in connection with Jammu & Kashmir terror funding and secessionist activities case.

While hearing further arguments on the quantum of sentencing, Court had directed Malik 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.

Further, the NIA was also asked by the Court to assess Malik’s financial condition so fines can be imposed on him on May 25.

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

Malik was arrested on April 10, 2019. Investigation is said to have revealed that Malik was involved in instigating and provoking impressionable population to indulge in illegal and anti-India activities. Yasin Malik used to attend functions in Pakistan Embassy and was in contact with ISI officials. He was also involved in raising funds through various entities based abroad and distributing such funds among militants and stone-pelters for funding stone-pelting and demonstrations.

Chargesheet was filed in the case against 12 accused persons including 2 absconding accused persons namely (head of LeT) and Mohd. Yusuf Shah @ Salahuddin (head of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen) before NIA Special Court, New Delhi on January 18, 2018.

Second Supplementary charge-sheet was filed against 5 accused persons including Malik. He was charge-sheeted for his involvement in the offences under sections 120B, 121, 121A & 124A of IPC and Sections 13, 16, 17, 18, 20, 38 & 39 of UA(P)Act, on April 10, 2019.

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.

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