Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik, who is currently incarcerated at Tihar Jail in Delhi, has gone on hunger strike, demanding urgent medical attention and intervention from the Delhi High Court. Malik, the Chairman of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), has been protesting the alleged denial of his fundamental rights, including access to proper medical care.
In his plea filed before the Delhi High Court, Malik has requested that the court direct the Tihar Jail authorities to provide detailed records of his medical treatment. He is seeking to be referred to a specialized medical facility, such as AIIMS in Delhi or another super-speciality hospital in either New Delhi or Kashmir, to address ongoing health concerns. The separatist leader also requested that the court ensure he is brought before the relevant courts in Delhi whenever required for hearings.
Malik, who has raised concerns about serious cardiac and kidney issues, had previously approached the Delhi High Court earlier this year regarding inadequate medical treatment. At the time, the court was informed that Malik had been examined by AIIMS doctors and provided necessary care, with assurances from the government and Tihar Jail authorities that he would receive further treatment as required.
In a related development, the Tribunal handling cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) recently upheld the Union Ministry of Home Affairs’ (MHA) decision to extend the ban on the JKLF for another five years. The MHA extended the ban on March 15, 2024, due to the group’s ongoing involvement in unlawful activities.
The Tribunal, led by Justice Neena Bansal Krishna, emphasized that groups promoting secessionism would not be tolerated. Despite Malik’s claims of renouncing violence in favor of a Gandhian approach since 1994, the Tribunal noted his continued links to violent groups and individuals, including his visits to a terrorist camp in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK).
The Delhi High Court is also hearing an appeal by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) seeking the imposition of the death penalty on Yasin Malik in connection with a terror funding case. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the NIA, argued that Malik was responsible for the killing of four Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel and the kidnapping of Rubaiya Sayeed. The NIA also highlighted the involvement of terrorists released after the kidnapping in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
The bench, led by Anoop Kumar Mendiratta, is set to hear Malik’s plea regarding his health and medical treatment later today.
