Yasin Malik, a prominent Kashmiri leader and chairman of the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, has chosen to represent himself in his ongoing trial in the Delhi High Court, refusing legal representation.

This decision comes amidst growing concerns about the human rights situation in Indian-administered Kashmir, where Malik and other Kashmiri leaders are imprisoned without substantial evidence.

Malik, who is facing charges of terrorism and financing terrorism, has been imprisoned since 2019. His trial, which resumed on August 8th, saw him reject the services of a lawyer, opting to defend himself. The court has adjourned the hearing until September 25th.

His decision to represent himself is seen as a symbolic act of resistance against the Indian government’s policies in Kashmir. Malik believes that appointing a lawyer wouldn’t guarantee a fair trial, highlighting his distrust in the Indian legal system.

This move also aims to expose the political nature of his case and the Indian government’s attempts to silence dissent. By presenting his own arguments, Malik hopes to shed light on the truth behind the allegations and expose the injustice he faces.

Since the revocation of Kashmir’s special status in 2019, India has been accused of systematically oppressing the Kashmiri Muslim population. The region has been under a heavy military lockdown, with arbitrary arrests, torture, and restrictions on fundamental rights becoming commonplace.

The imprisonment of Yasin Malik and other Kashmiri leaders, who are fighting for their right to self-determination, is a stark reminder of the ongoing human rights violations in Kashmir.

International organizations, including the United Nations, are urged to take a firm stance against India’s actions in Kashmir. The current situation, marked by oppression and denial of basic rights, poses a significant threat to peace and stability in the region.