Jammu/Srinagar, Sep 19 : J&K Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, urging a compassionate and urgent review of jailed JKLF leader Yasin Malik’s case.
In her detailed letter, Mehbooba highlighted Malik’s transformation from armed resistance to non-violent political engagement, describing his 1994 decision to renounce violence as a “rare and courageous step” towards reconciliation. She reminded the Union Government that Malik had long acted as a bridge during critical peace efforts, engaging in back-channel dialogues with Indian agencies and participating in talks across successive governments with tacit official approval.
Mehbooba expressed concern that despite this history, Malik is now facing life imprisonment and even the threat of a death penalty. She cautioned that such a move would “shatter the fragile trust essential for meaningful dialogue” and risk alienating Kashmiris further from democratic processes.
“The spirit of India, I firmly believe, lies in our capacity to show magnanimity and uphold promises made in pursuit of peace,” Mehbooba wrote in her appeal, stressing that closing doors on Malik’s case could perpetuate the cycle of conflict and extinguish hope for reconciliation.
Calling for justice tempered with mercy, she urged the Home Minister to exercise democratic instruments to “honour both justice and compassion” by reassessing Malik’s case.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Mehbooba Mufti also reiterated her stand, stating:
“I have written to Hon’ble Home Minister @AmitShah Ji seeking a compassionate review of Yasin Malik’s case. At a time when J&K desperately needs healing and reconciliation, shutting the door forever on a man who once renounced violence for political engagement will only deepen alienation. Justice must walk hand in hand with mercy.”
The PDP chief stressed that reconciliation and dialogue, not brute force, are the only way forward for durable peace and democracy in Jammu & Kashmir.(KNS)
