Yasin Malik's Affidavit Reveals Controversial Back-Channel Diplomacy With Hafiz Saeed

Yasin Malik's affidavit exposes a back-channel meeting with Hafiz Saeed, orchestrated by Indian intelligence. This raises significant questions about national security and past diplomatic strategies.

Yasin Malik, a separatist leader, was sentenced to life imprisonment in May 2022 for his involvement in a terror funding case. He had previously pleaded guilty to charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). This case has stirred significant controversy and discussion in political circles.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) recently shared an affidavit by Malik in the Delhi High Court. According to this document, Indian intelligence officials had instructed him to meet Hafiz Saeed, the Lashkar-e-Taiba chief, during a visit to Pakistan in 2006. BJP's IT head Amit Malaviya tweeted about this revelation.

Back-Channel Diplomacy

Malik's affidavit claims that his meeting with Saeed was not initiated by him but was part of a back-channel peace process. Senior Indian intelligence officials allegedly arranged the meeting. Upon returning from Pakistan, Malik was asked to debrief then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who expressed gratitude for Malik's role in these peace efforts.

Amit Malaviya described these revelations as "shocking" and questioned the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government's handling of national security and diplomacy. He highlighted that Malik met Hafiz Saeed, who is also known as the mastermind behind the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.

Allegations of Betrayal

In his affidavit, Malik referred to his mission as a "case of betrayal." He stated he was sent as a peace envoy but later branded as a terrorist. He claimed that despite working towards peace, his actions were misinterpreted years later to justify invoking UAPA against him.

The affidavit mentions that VK Joshi, then Special Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB), met Malik before his Pakistan visit following the 2005 Kashmir earthquake. Joshi allegedly encouraged Malik to engage with both Pakistani political leaders and terrorist figures like Saeed to support Prime Minister Singh's peace initiatives.

Malik's statement suggests that his visit was intended to bolster peace efforts after the devastating earthquake in Kashmir. However, he feels that his actions were distorted over time for political purposes, especially around the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A of India's Constitution.

This ongoing controversy highlights complex issues surrounding back-channel diplomacy and national security strategies. The revelations have sparked debates on how past governments managed sensitive diplomatic missions involving contentious figures like Hafiz Saeed.