Mirwaiz Umar Farooq has expressed concern over the reports of Mohammad Yasin Malik’s hunger strike in Tihar Jail, where he has been protesting to seek medical treatment. Mirwaiz urged the authorities to ensure that Malik receives the necessary medical assistance as per the jail manual and the rights of prisoners.
“Also concerned about reports of Mohammad Yasin Malik’s hunger strike in Tihar jail for seeking medical treatment. Urge the authorities to ensure necessary medical assistance to him in accordance with jail manual and the rights of prisoners,” Mirwiaz said in a tweet.
Malik’s wife, Mushaal Hussein Malik, has spoken to international media about the situation, claiming that her husband has been deprived of necessary medication. She stated that despite their efforts to reach out through official letters, no response has been received from the authorities regarding his medical needs.
Who is Yasin Malik?
Yasin Malik is a prominent Kashmiri separatist leader and the chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF). He has been a vocal advocate for “Kashmiri independence and self-determination”. Malik was involved in armed struggle against Indian rule in the 1980s and 1990s but later shifted towards non-violent political activism. Over the years, he has been arrested multiple times and has faced charges related to his separatist activities.
In 2022, he was convicted for his role in “terror-related activities” and sentenced to life imprisonment.
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has been investigating Malik for his involvement in activities related to “terrorism and separatism” in Jammu and Kashmir. Malik was accused of conspiring to disrupt the integrity of India through violent means, including financing and supporting “terrorist activities”. He was arrested in 2019 and later convicted in a terror funding case, which involved allegations of receiving money from Pakistan to fuel unrest in Kashmir.