Jammu: A significant development has emerged in the long-standing trial of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chief Yasin Malik for the killing of four Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel in Rawalpora, Srinagar, on 25 January 1990. A key eyewitness has identified Malik as the main shooter before a special Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA) court in Jammu.
Officials reported that the eyewitness, an IAF personnel and colleague of the victims, confirmed Malik’s role in the attack, marking a major breakthrough in the 35-year-old case.
Malik, who is already serving a life sentence in a terror funding case, also faces trial for the 1989 kidnapping of Rubaiya Saeed, daughter of the then Union Home Minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.
Two other key eyewitnesses identified Malik and three of his alleged associates as the principal accused before the TADA court recently. Malik participated in the proceedings via video conferencing alongside co-accused Javed Mir, Muhammad Rafiq Pahloo alias Saleem Nana Ji, and Shaukat Bakshi.
During cross-examination, the witnesses reaffirmed their identification of all four accused. A third eyewitness, also an IAF staff member, testified that Malik was the main shooter.
The 1990 incident resulted in the deaths of at least four IAF personnel, including Air Force Squadron Leader Ravi Kumar Khanna, and injuries to 22 others. The eyewitness testimonies remained resolute during cross-examination.
The next hearing is scheduled for 29 November, with the prosecution seeking the maximum punishment for Malik.
(Inputs from IANS)