In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court of India emphasized the right to a fair trial for Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik, who is facing charges related to the killing of Indian Air Force officers in Srinagar back in 1990. The bench, comprising Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih, made this observation during the hearing of an appeal filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which sought to challenge a Jammu trial court order regarding Malik’s physical presence at the court.

During the proceedings, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta represented the CBI, arguing against the feasibility of transporting Malik to Jammu for the trial. He cited security concerns, particularly the need to protect witnesses connected to the 1989 incident involving the murder of four IAF personnel. Mehta contended that Malik was attempting to manipulate the situation by expressing a desire to personally cross-examine witnesses without the aid of legal counsel. To emphasize the gravity of the situation, he presented a photograph of Malik with Hafiz Mohammad Saeed, the founder of the terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), taken during Malik’s visits to Pakistan.

Mehta underscored that Malik should not be regarded as an ordinary criminal, given his extensive connections with terrorist elements and his multiple trips to Pakistan to meet with Saeed. He cautioned the court about the dangers posed to witnesses, recalling that one individual had already been murdered, thereby necessitating a cautious approach to Malik’s trial.

In response to the CBI’s arguments, Justice Oka highlighted the principle of fair trial by referencing the case of Ajmal Kasab, the 2008 Mumbai terror attack perpetrator, who was also afforded due process despite his actions. The judge affirmed that all accused in the case would be heard before a decision could be made regarding the proceedings, suggesting that the government explore the possibility of conducting the trial within the confines of the jail or allowing Malik to appear virtually in the Supreme Court.

The hearing was adjourned until the following Thursday, during which the court granted the CBI permission to amend its petition to include all accused parties in the case as respondents.

Yasin Malik, who garnered international attention over the years for his role in the Kashmir separatist movement, had previously been sentenced to life imprisonment by a National Investigation Agency (NIA) court in May 2022 after he admitted guilt to charges of waging war against the state, among other serious offenses. Following this, the NIA filed an appeal requesting the death penalty for Malik, particularly in relation to the historic case concerning the killings of the IAF personnel in Rawalpora, Srinagar, on January 25, 1990.

The Supreme Court of India recently emphasized the right to a fair trial for Kashmiri separatist leader Yasin Malik, who is implicated in the killing of Indian Air Force (IAF) officers in Srinagar in 1990. During the proceedings, which involved an appeal filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the bench comprising Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Augustine George Masih underlined that every accused, even those designated as terrorists, deserves due legal process. The court specifically referenced the fair trial afforded to Ajmal Kasab, a notorious terrorist involved in the 2008 Mumbai attacks, reinforcing the principle of justice regardless of the gravity of the allegations.

The current hearing revolved around a previous order from a Jammu trial court, which mandated the physical production of Malik for the ongoing proceedings. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, argued against this order, citing serious security concerns—not only for Malik but also for the witnesses connected to the 1989 incident that resulted in the deaths of four IAF personnel. Mehta claimed Malik was employing tactics to obstruct the legal process by indicating a desire to personally cross-examine witnesses without legal representation.

To bolster his argument, Mehta presented evidence showing Malik’s connections with Hafiz Mohammad Saeed, the founder of the terrorist organization Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The Solicitor General remarked, “He is not an ordinary criminal. He is just not another terrorist. He travelled to Pakistan many times to meet Hafiz Saeed,” underscoring the implications of Malik’s actions. He urged the court to consider the safety of witnesses seriously, noting the assassination of at least one individual connected to the case.

In response, Justice Oka acknowledged the need to ensure that all accused individuals have the opportunity to present their case before a verdict is reached. The court proposed alternative measures, such as conducting the trial through virtual means, allowing Malik to participate without necessitating his physical presence in Jammu.

As the court adjourned the hearing until the following Thursday, it authorized the CBI to amend its petition. The continued proceedings follow Malik’s previous conviction in May 2022 when he was sentenced to life imprisonment after pleading guilty to charges of waging war against the state, conspiracy, and terror financing. The NIA subsequently appealed to the Delhi High Court, seeking the death penalty for Malik related to his primary role in the tragic events that unfolded in Srinagar on January 25, 1990.

Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi engaged in significant discussions with his Nepalese counterpart, General Ashok Sigdel, focusing on enhancing collaboration between the armies of India and Nepal. The meeting, held at the Nepal Army Headquarters, underscored the strategic partnership and cooperative efforts aimed at strengthening ties between the two neighboring nations.

Arriving in Nepal on Wednesday for a five-day official visit, Dwivedi was invited by Sigdel. Accompanied by his spouse, Sunita Dwivedi, his visit marks an important opportunity to reinforce military relations and explore avenues for future collaboration.

On Thursday morning, before his meeting with General Sigdel, Dwivedi laid a wreath at Bir Smarak, the Martyr’s Memorial located at the Army Pavilion in Tundikhel, Kathmandu, paying homage to those who have sacrificed their lives for their country. This solemn act was followed by a formal reception, where he received a Guard of Honour at the army headquarters, reflecting the respect and dignity afforded to visiting military leaders.

In a ceremonial highlight of his visit, President Ramchandra Paudel is set to confer upon General Dwivedi the rank of Honorary General of the Nepal Army during a special event at Rastrapati Bhawan, Sheetal Niwas. This prestigious recognition illustrates the mutual respect and deep historical ties between the Indian and Nepalese Armed Forces.

During his stay, General Dwivedi is also scheduled to visit the Army Staff College in Shivapuri, situated on the fringes of Kathmandu. This visit is anticipated to foster further discussions on military education and training, pivotal for future cooperation. In addition, he has plans for a mountain flight, allowing him to experience the breathtaking landscapes of Nepal, which could also serve as a symbolic gesture of goodwill.

The visit is widely viewed as a reaffirmation of the commitment between India and Nepal to work collaboratively on defense matters, reflecting shared strategic interests in a region where both countries play significant roles. The discussions held during this visit are expected to pave the way for continued dialogue and cooperation in various domains, highlighting the importance of mutual understanding and collaboration in military affairs.

Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi is currently in Nepal for a four-day visit aimed at further strengthening the already close defense and strategic relations between the two nations. During this visit, he is scheduled to be conferred with the honorary title of ‘General of the Nepal Army’ by Nepalese President Ramchandra Paudel, an honor set to take place on Thursday. This tradition, which began in 1950, underscores the enduring and robust ties between the Indian and Nepalese military forces.

On the first day of his visit, General Dwivedi engaged in discussions with Indian Ambassador to Nepal, Naveen Srivastava. He also held an informal conversation with General Ashok Raj Sigdel, the Chief of the Army Staff of the Nepali Army. These meetings reflect a commitment to ongoing diplomatic and military dialogue between the two neighboring countries.

As part of the ceremonial proceedings on Thursday, General Dwivedi will receive a Guard of Honour from the Nepali Army, followed by formal discussions with COAS Sigdel. Additionally, he will be briefed by the Director General of Military Operations of the Nepali Army regarding matters of mutual interest and concern, further solidifying the collaborative relationship between the two armed forces.

The visit also includes an educational component; on Friday, General Dwivedi plans to address student officers of the Nepali Army Command and Staff Course in Shivapuri. This engagement is indicative of the focus on nurturing military leadership and enhancing operational knowledge within the Nepalese Army.

Concluding his trip, General Dwivedi will attend an Ex-Servicemen Rally in Pokhara on the final day of his visit. This event is expected to foster connections and show support for veterans, thereby reinforcing the bonds of camaraderie that exist within the military community.

Overall, General Dwivedi’s visit seeks to bolster military cooperation between India and Nepal. The two countries enjoy a long-standing partnership characterized by regular military exchanges, joint training programs, and collaborative efforts in defense modernization. This visit not only aims to enhance mutual military capabilities but also opens avenues for future cooperation in defense strategies.

A significant joint exercise involving the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force named ‘Poorvi Prahar’ concluded recently in the Shi-Yomi district of Arunachal Pradesh. This collaborative effort aimed to validate the effectiveness of the armed forces’ joint structures in several critical areas including intelligence gathering, surveillance, reconnaissance, rapid mobilization, deployment, and operational logistics.

According to defence spokesperson Lt Col Athul Sreedharan, the exercise demonstrated the precision strike capabilities of the forces, which employed high-tech equipment to ensure mission success. The emphasis was placed on the integration among the three services and the enhanced civil-military fusion, both of which are deemed crucial for achieving victory in operations.

Key figures in attendance included Eastern Army Commander Lt Gen RC Tiwari and Air Marshal IS Walia from the Eastern Air Command. Lt Gen Tiwari praised the extreme precision demonstrated by the troops, underlining the vital role of joint structures and mechanisms in enhancing the synergy among the services.

This exercise marked a significant milestone as integrated joint operations were conducted across multiple domains for the first time on such a large scale in the Eastern Theatre. The array of advanced weapons systems showcased included the M-777 Howitzer, the P-8I maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft from the Navy, swarm drones, first-person view (FPV) drones, loitering munitions, and helicopters such as the Chinook and Prachand.

The successful execution of ‘Poorvi Prahar’ not only reaffirmed the operational readiness of the armed forces but also provided assurance to the nation regarding their preparedness to tackle any future security challenges that may arise. This collaborative exercise underscores India’s commitment to maintaining a robust defense posture through enhanced cooperation among its military branches.

The Indian Navy has significantly increased its operational presence in the Southwest Indian Ocean region, deploying warships to enhance capacity building and conduct joint exercises aimed at strengthening maritime partnerships along the eastern coast of Africa. A notable deployment in this effort is the stealth frigate INS Talwar, which recently undertook a series of strategic engagements in the region.

INS Talwar commenced its mission by docking at Mombasa, Kenya, where it conducted Passage Exercises (PASSEX) alongside the Kenyan naval forces. This collaboration underscores a commitment to bolstering regional maritime security through joint operations and shared training initiatives.

Following its activities in Kenya, INS Talwar set course for Cape Town, South Africa, to participate in IBSAMAR exercises, a trilateral naval exercise that includes India, Brazil, and South Africa. This engagement is pivotal in enhancing interoperability among the navies of these three nations and further underscores India’s commitment to regional naval cooperation.

The frigate’s journey continued to La Reunion, a French territory of strategic importance in the Indian Ocean, where efforts were made to deepen the maritime partnership between India and France. This visit demonstrates India’s desire to strengthen ties with European partners in the context of shared maritime security interests.

After La Reunion, INS Talwar’s final stop was in Male’, Maldives, where it played a crucial role in escorting the Maldives’ Coast Guard Ship Huravee back to India for necessary refurbishment. This operation exemplifies the robust defense relationship between New Delhi and Male’, reinforcing mutual commitments to maritime safety and security.

Concurrently, another Indian naval vessel, INS Suvarna, made significant strides in enhancing defense cooperation during a visit to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, last month. This visit featured the transfer of an Integrated Weapon Training Simulator to Tanzanian forces, aimed at boosting infantry training capabilities. Furthermore, the INS Suvarna conducted joint maritime exercises centered on Exclusive Economic Zone surveillance and anti-piracy operations, vital for safeguarding regional maritime interests.

INS Suvarna also sailed to Mauritius, coinciding with the 190th Aapravasi Divas, which honors the arrival of Indian indentured laborers in the region. During this visit, the warship assisted the Mauritius Coast Guard by towing its vessel, the Coast Guard Ship Valiant, back to Vizag, India, for a comprehensive refit.

In addition to these activities, INS Gharial was also engaged in regional operations, visiting the Maldives for coordinated exercises with the Maldives National Defence Force. The vessel continued its mission in Mozambique, where it delivered two Fast Interceptor Crafts intended to support efforts against maritime terrorism and insurgency, particularly in the troubled Cabo Delgado province. These high-speed crafts are set to significantly enhance Mozambique’s capacity to secure its maritime domain.

These deployments reflect India’s comprehensive strategy under the SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region) initiative, aimed at fostering regional maritime cooperation and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Through these efforts, India aspires to establish itself as a stabilizing force, enhancing naval diplomacy and fostering stronger ties with various countries in the Indian Ocean, all while promoting maritime security and economic progress in the region.