Debate With Arnab: Why Death Should Not Be An Option For Yasin Malik, Accused of Killing Sarla Bhat?

In a striking development from Tihar Jail, jailed separatist and banned JKLF chief Yasin Malik has declared he is ready to face the death penalty in the 1990 murder case of Kashmiri Pandit nurse Sarla Bhat.  Malik, lodged in Tihar since 2019, submitted a 25-page written statement through his lawyer before the Additional Sessions Court in Srinagar. He stated he will not contest the trial and has also announced his separation from his Pakistani wife, Mushaal Hussein Mullick.  

While withdrawing from the proceedings, Malik made it clear that this decision should not be read as an admission of guilt. He maintained that he was falsely implicated due to political circumstances and said the choice came after deep reflection and Istikhara.  The court has fixed the next hearing for 19 September.  What does this dramatic U-turn mean for the long-pending case and the larger Kashmir narrative?  Debate With Arnab LIVE digs into the latest twist involving the once-high-profile separatist leader.