India: Muslim who admitted to funding jihad now claims to have adopted 'Gandhian principles'

Image: Jihad Watch

Yasin Malik, leader of the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), who was convicted of criminal conspiracy and waging war against India, has claimed that he adopted a 'Gandhian way of resistance' since 1994.

In a recent affidavit filed before the UAPA tribunal, he sought a review of the ban on his organization, arguing that he abandoned the 'armed struggle' (essentially terrorism) 30 years ago to pursue an independent and united Kashmir through peaceful means.

The tribunal upheld the ban on JKLF-Yasin under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act for an additional five years. Malik alleged in his affidavit that high-ranking Union government officials and politicians had engaged with him to seek a 'peaceful resolution' in Kashmir.

The Modi government, however, highlighted Malik's involvement in terror financing and creating unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly between 2008 and 2016.

"Malik used this new image to establish himself as a major channel for financing violent activities. JKLF-Y continued its anti-national activities and played a crucial role in the riots that occurred in 2008, 2010, and 2016," the Centre stated before the UAPA tribunal.

In May 2022, Yasin Malik was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Special NIA Court for his role in terror funding in Jammu and Kashmir.

(This Article was originally published by Jihad Watch)