Archive · 4 Sep 2026
Yasin Malik Invokes Mandela as National Conference Leader Backs Appeal
Yasin Malik is facing a murder case involving Sarla Bhat.
He told a special court that he was not guilty.
He explained his position in a 25-page affidavit.
Malik compared himself to Nelson Mandela.
A senior National Conference leader supported him and called for an appeal.
This support led to criticism from people who believe the victims should receive more attention.
The issue was discussed on Times Now’s program The Briefing Room.
The report presents a disagreement over how Malik’s case should be viewed.
Yasin Malik pleaded not guilty in a 25-page affidavit before a special court.
The report identifies Malik as the main accused in the murder of Kashmiri Pandit woman Sarla Bhat.
Malik compared himself with South African leader Nelson Mandela.
A senior National Conference leader backed Malik and urged that an appeal be filed.
Times Now’s program The Briefing Room discussed whether attention was being given to Malik rather than the victims.
- Who
- Yasin Malik, Sarla Bhat, a senior National Conference leader, and participants in Times Now’s The Briefing Room.
- What
- Malik pleaded not guilty, compared himself with Nelson Mandela, and received public backing for an appeal from a National Conference leader.
- When
- The report does not specify when these events occurred.
- Where
- The plea was made before a special court; the discussion was broadcast on Times Now.
- Why
- Malik submitted his affidavit to contest the accusations, while the National Conference leader urged an appeal; the support prompted debate about attention to victims.
Supporters and Malik’s Position
Critics and Victims’ Perspective
Malik’s court position
Supporters and Malik’s Position
Malik pleaded not guilty and compared himself with Nelson Mandela.
Critics and Victims’ Perspective
Critics focus on the report’s identification of Malik as the main accused in Sarla Bhat’s murder and question sympathy for him.
Call for an appeal
Supporters and Malik’s Position
A senior National Conference leader backed Malik and urged that an appeal be filed.
Critics and Victims’ Perspective
The report frames this support as potentially diverting attention from victims and their families.
- Accused
- Yasin Malik
- Victim named in report
- Sarla Bhat, a Kashmiri Pandit woman
- Court filing
- A 25-page affidavit
- Plea
- Not guilty
- Comparison made
- Nelson Mandela
- Political reaction
- A senior National Conference leader backed Malik and urged an appeal
- Program
- The Briefing Room on Times Now