The court is expected to hear arguments on the quantum of the sentence on May 25.
On April 18, Malik submitted that he did not want any trial and therefore, he was ready to plead guilty. On May 10, Malik again pleaded guilty to all the charges, including those under the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
Additional Sessions Judge Praveen Singh stated that today again the court inquired from the accused whether he wants to re-think his plea Valley.
“He stated that he (Malik) had taken a well thought decision and that twice, the amicus ua had met in jail and explained to him the consequences of his decision and still, he stands by his decision to plead guilty,” the court order said.Thus, I find that accused Yasin Malik has voluntarily and after due legal consultation, meaning thereby after fully, knowing the consequences of his plea, has pleaded guilty to the charges framed against him. His plea is accordingly accepted,” the court order read
“In view of the plea of the guilt, accused Mohd. Yasin Malik is hereby convicted for the offences punishable u/s 120B IPC, 121 IPC, 121A IPC, 13 UAPA r/w 120B IPC, 15 UAPA r/w 120B IPC, 17 UAPA, 18 UAPA, 20 UAPA, 38 UAPA and 39 UAPA,” the order said.
Malik is one of the first five JKLF commanders who took up arms in 1989. The JKLF is believed to be a pioneer of armed insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir. He declared a unilateral ceasefire in 1994 and publicly gave up arms. The decision to give up arms later came under attack from militants.
In the supplementary charge-sheet filed by NIA, Malik has been accused of “orchestrating violent protests”. The agency claimed that Malik’s home was raided and they found a copy of the Hizbul Mujahideen letterhead and seized it.
NIA charge-sheet also claimed that the letterhead signed by various militant groups had warned people who supported football tournaments in the Valley.
