SRINAGAR: A Delhi court on Wednesday sent the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Yasin Malik, arrested in connection with terror funding case, to judicial custody till May 24. Tihar jail authorities have also moved application seeking direction to produce Malik through video conferencing due to security concerns. Meanwhile, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti led a protest march demanding the release of Yasin Malik.
“Yasin Malik (Kashmiri Separatist) should be released immediately as he is really unwell. Also, other members of Jamaat-e-Islami should be released. Sadhvi Pragya on whom there are several serious accusations, has been set free,” Mehbooba said. She said, "Yasin Malik has been arrested, he is very ill. They have released Sadhvi Pragya who is fit and fine but arresting ailing Yasin Malik. They have released Sadhvi Pragya who is fit and fine but arrested ailing Yasin Malik. We are protesting against these muscular policies, they have to stop torturing family of terrorists."
At her protest in Pulwama district, Mehbooba Mufti also sought resumption of trade across the Line of Control (LoC), revocation of the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami and the release of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief. The march, joined by PDP activists, started at the Town Hall and went up to the District Magistrate's office. The protesters later dispersed peacefully, police said.
The JKLF chief is facing charges of kidnapping and murder for being allegedly involved in abducting Rubaiya Sayeed, daughter of the then Union Home Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, in 1989, and killing of four Indian Air Force personnel in 1990. The JKLF was recently banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.