INDIA faced a backlash today after the conviction of iconic Kashmiri political leader Yasin Malik for funding “terrorist” activities and other crimes.

Security forces said thy had “shot dead six militants” in occupied Kashmir in a 24-hour period while a female TV presenter and police officer were killed by separatists. 

Mr Malik was sentenced to life imprisonment by a New Delhi court on Wednesday amid warnings it would promote alienation and separatism in the contested Muslim-majority region.