Yasin Malik, the outspoken leader of the separatist Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), has made the provocative claim that India's former Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, was keen on meeting with terrorists and had approached him for assistance.
In a revealing TV show interview, Malik stated that in 2006, Singh sought his help to reach out to Pakistan-based terrorists. According to Malik, this outreach was part of efforts to bolster the India-Pakistan peace process.
Malik further revealed, 'I met with Manmohan Singh in 2006. During our discussion, I suggested that terrorists be engaged in the peace process. The Prime Minister mentioned that he would need our support in this effort.'
However, the JKLF leader did not disclose whether or not he facilitated any contact between Singh and the terrorists following the alleged request. Regarding JKLF's policy on Jammu and Kashmir, he noted, 'India views Kashmir as its integral part and crown jewel, while Pakistan sees it as a critical vein.'
He articulated, 'Our party believes that the future of Kashmir should be determined democratically by its people. Our political stance is firmly rooted in the quest for freedom.'
