NEW DELHI: The central government on Tuesday banned the Awami Action Committee (AAC) and Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM) for five years for spreading anti-India propaganda to encourage secessionism in the Union territory.
The ministry of home affairs (MHA) declared them unlawful associations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
According to the government, AAC, led by Umar Farooq, has been involved in promoting terrorist activities and spreading anti-India propaganda to encourage secessionism in the Union Territory. The notification states that the group has engaged in activities that harm India’s integrity, sovereignty, and security.
The government accuses the AAC of mobilising funds for unlawful activities, supporting separatists, and showing disrespect towards the Constitution. The group is also alleged to have promoted secessionist ideas and instigated anti-national sentiments among the people.
The MHA said that several criminal cases have been registered against AAC members for making inflammatory speeches and supporting militant groups. The notification highlighted that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and state police have filed multiple charges against the organisation under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The Centre also banned JKIM, led by Masroor Abbas Ansari, stating that its members have been involved in supporting terrorist activities and anti-India propaganda to fuel separatism in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to ANI, JKIM and its members have been raising funds to facilitate unlawful activities, including separatist and terrorist operations in the region.
The MHA said in its notification that JKIM has been accused of promoting separatism by inciting public unrest, encouraging armed struggle against the Indian state, and spreading hatred against the government.
The ban was imposed under Section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. Citing the seriousness of the situation, the government exercised its powers under Section 3(3) of the Act to ensure that the ban remains in effect for five years from the date of its official notification.
The Centre justified the ban by saying that if these organisations were allowed to continue their activities, they would pose a threat to India’s territorial integrity and security.
The MHA warned that JKIM could persist in advocating for Jammu and Kashmir’s secession, challenging its accession to India and spreading anti-national sentiments to create public discord.
