Srinagar, Aug. 5 -- It was 2018, just months before the abrogation of Article 370 and 35A. The BJP had pulled out of its alliance with the People's Democratic Party (PDP), plunging the state into political uncertainty. Then came a dramatic twist.

Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti faxed a letter to Malik's office declaring a joint bid by her People's Democratic Party and the National Conference, aided by the Congress, to form the government in the state, which was under governor's rule.

But hours later Malik, without acknowledging receipt of the fax, ordered dissolution of the Assembly, where the three parties held 56 of the 87 seats.

Malik claimed he had missed Mehbooba's faxed letter andblamed a state holiday for not receiving Mehb...