Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik, currently imprisoned at Tihar Jail in Delhi, has initiated a hunger strike to demand urgent medical attention and intervention from the Delhi High Court.
Malik, who heads the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), claims that his fundamental rights, including access to adequate medical care, have been denied.
In a plea submitted to the Delhi High Court, Malik requested that the court compel Tihar Jail authorities to provide comprehensive records of his medical treatment. He seeks a referral to a specialized medical facility, such as AIIMS in Delhi or another super-specialty hospital in New Delhi or Kashmir, to address ongoing health concerns.
Additionally, Malik has asked the court to ensure his presence at relevant hearings in Delhi when required.
Malik has expressed serious concerns regarding his cardiac and kidney health. Earlier this year, he approached the Delhi High Court over inadequate medical treatment. At that time, the court was informed that he had been examined by doctors from AIIMS and received necessary care, with assurances from government and jail authorities for continued treatment as needed.
In a related matter, the Tribunal overseeing 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. This decision, made on March 15, 2024, was based on 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 assertions of renouncing violence in favor of a Gandhian approach since 1994, the Tribunal noted his continued connections to violent groups and individuals, including visits to a terrorist camp in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK).
The Delhi High Court is also hearing an appeal from the National Investigation Agency (NIA) for the imposition of the death penalty on 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 personnel and the kidnapping of Rubaiya Sayeed.
The NIA highlighted that terrorists released after the kidnapping were involved in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
The bench, led by Anoop Kumar Mendiratta, is set to address Malik’s health and medical treatment plea later today.
