Yasin Malik, who is a leader of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), triggered a political firestorm with a recent affidavit. In an affidavit submitted in the Delhi High Court on August 25 and seen by NDTV, Malik claims that in 2006, after he met with Hafiz Saeed, the founder of the terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba and the mastermind of the 26/11 terrorist attack in Mumbai, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had personally thanked him for the effort. The claim has sparked a frenzy of discussions on social media and in political circles.
The Claimed Meeting
Malik claims that the meeting with Hafiz Saeed was not something he undertook on his own but was instigated by the Indian intelligence officers. He stated that, in advance of his travel to Pakistan, the Special Director of the Intelligence Bureau (IB), V.K. Joshi, had approached him. Joshi asked if Malik would be willing to deal with political and militant leaders in Pakistan, to contribute to the peace process between the two nations.
The Debriefing
After returning to India, Malik said he was debriefed by the IB and then briefed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and National Security Advisor M.K. Narayanan. During this debriefing, Malik stated the Prime Minister expressed his thanks and appreciation for Malik’s efforts, time, patience, and commitment to meet with even the most hardline factions of the Pakistani political will.
Political Fallout
The BJP has capitalized on this allegation, claiming that the UPA government, under Manmohan Singh, was all too lenient to separatist elements. Amit Malviya, the national chief of the BJP IT wing, has criticized Singh’s actions, stating that Malik is a hardened terrorist and even charged with gunning down three Air Force personnel in their uniform.
The news has started a conversation in the social channels, with many expressing frustration with the Government’s policy on peace processes and the separation leaders. The claims sparked discussion about the participation of agencies in facilitating meetings and any consequences, if political in nature, that may arise.
