Yasin Malik claims links with Ajit Doval, RSS and Shankaracharyas: What does he mean, and why now?

Yasin Malik, a separatist leader serving a life sentence in Tihar jail for a terrorism-related case, submits an affidavit in the Delhi High Court claiming to have had links with numerous political leaders, religious figures, and high-ranking security officials.

New Delhi: Yasin Malik, a separatist leader of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) and serving a sentence, has submitted an affidavit to the Delhi High Court, revealing his alleged past secret contacts.

Malik claims to have interacted with numerous political leaders, religious figures, and high-ranking security officials. These claims were made while he was in prison.

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Meetings with Religious Leaders and the RSS

According to Malik, two Shankaracharyas visited his Srinagar residence several times and also held a press conference with him. Furthermore, Malik stated that he held a five-hour-long meeting with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leaders at the India International Centre in New Delhi in 2011.

This meeting was facilitated by the Centre for Dialogue and Reconciliation, a Delhi-based think tank. Malik also claimed that Admiral K.K. Nair, chairman of the Vivekananda Institute, a prominent RSS think tank, frequently invited him to lunch at his residence and the India International Centre.

Role in Atal Bihari Vajpayee's Ramadan Ceasefire Efforts

Malik also stated that he played a key role in the unilateral ceasefire announced by then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee during Ramadan in 2000-01. He met with Ajit Doval, Intelligence Bureau Director Shyamal Dutta, and National Security Advisor Brajesh Mishra in Delhi.

Malik stated that he also contacted Rafiq Dar, the general secretary of his organization in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, and Syed Salahuddin, the leader of the United Jihad Council.

Meeting with Manmohan Singh and Peace Efforts

Malik also stated that in February 2006, then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh invited him to New Delhi for formal talks. During that meeting, the prime minister expressed his commitment to resolve the Kashmir issue.

Malik stated that he obtained his first foreign travel passport during this period and spoke in support of peace and democratic struggle in the United States, Britain, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan.

Current Trial and Charges

Yasin Malik is currently serving a life sentence in Tihar Jail. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has sought the death penalty for him in a terrorism-related case.

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The Delhi High Court has given Malik four weeks to respond, and the next hearing is scheduled for November 10. The government has accused him of endangering India's sovereignty and being involved in terrorist activities in Kashmir.