You Haven’t Changed Much, Easily Recognisable: Yasin Malik Identified As Main Shooter In 1990 IAF Killings
On January 25, 1990, four Indian Air Force personnel were murdered and dozens others were injured in an attack at Rawalpora. Image courtesy: RNA
Over an year after the Modi government declared the ‘Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (Yasin Malik faction)’ as an ‘Unlawful Association’ for 5 years, the separatist leader is facing another major setback. Eyewitnesses have identified him as the main shooter, responsible for killing four IAF personnel a day ahead of the Republic Day in 1990.
In a significant advance in the 1990 killing of four Indian Air Force personnel in Srinagar, two key eyewitnesses have directly identified jailed JKLF separatist Malik as the culprit. The testimonies were recorded before a TADA (Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act) court in Jammu, marking one of the most crucial developments since the case was reopened.
Malik, currently serving a life sentence in Tihar Jail for a terror funding case, appeared via video conferencing as the witnesses recounted the events of the deadly attack that also injured 22 IAF officials.
What did the eyewitnesses say about Malik’s role in 1990 IAF attack?
One of the prime witnesses delivered a powerful statement during cross-examination. Looking directly at Malik, he said, “Except for your style of beard, you haven’t changed much, and I have no difficulty recognising you as the main shooter.” The witness also identified three other accused – Showkat Bakshi, Nanna Ji and Javed Ahmad – as part of the group responsible for the Sannat Nagar shootout.
Nanna Ji pointed an AK rifle at me. He wanted to spray bullets, but I changed my position and saved myself, the witness told the court, recalling the moment of the attack, around three decades later. He described the panic that followed as Air Force personnel tried to carry the injured to the hospital.
The next morning, they learned that four of them, including Squadron Leader Ravi Khanna, had succumbed to their injuries.
1990 IAF killings: Why the testimony is crucial now?
The case has long symbolised delayed justice for the families of the killed Air Force officials. The new testimonies offer direct, unequivocal identification of Malik and the other accused, providing renewed hope after 35 years. The court, which has permitted cross-examination of the prime witnesses, is fast-tracking the proceedings.
This eyewitness account strengthens the prosecution’s case and brings the nation one step closer to holding the perpetrators fully accountable. CBI Special Prosecutor SK Bhat, who attended the hearing, emphasised that the prosecution has presented strong, consistent evidence that reinforces Malik’s role in the terror attack.
Ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in a post on X, said, “A two-decade long delay in justice is finally coming to an end. Yasin Malik, once portrayed as a “face of dialogue” and “peace activist” during the UPA era, now faces the law for grave charges, including his involvement in the 1990 killings in Kashmir. Under Modi Govt, terrorists will not be treated as heroes, but will face the consequences of their actions.”
Yasin Malik 1990 IAF killings case: What happens next?
The next hearing is scheduled for November 29, where additional witnesses and evidence are expected to be examined. With the momentum now shifting heavily against Malik, the case is moving toward what investigators believe could be a decisive conclusion.
