New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday declared the Mirwaiz led Awami Action Committee, and Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM), led by Masroor Abbas Ansari, as unlawful associations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), citing thier involvement in activities detrimental to the sovereignty, security, and integrity of India.
In two separate official notifications, the MHA stated that JKIM and AAC and thier members have been supporting militancy, propagating anti-India narratives, and mobilizing funds for separatist and unlawful activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The government accused these organizations of inciting public disorder, promoting hatred against the constitutional authority, and advocating secessionism in the region.
The notifications further alleged that AAC and JKIM have encouraged the use of arms to destabilize law and order, while also engaging in efforts to fuel discontent among the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The Centre warned that if the group’s activities were not immediately curbed, it would continue its anti-national agenda, including challenging Jammu and Kashmir’s accession to India and disrupting public order.
Citing these concerns, the government exercised its powers under Section 3(1) of the UAPA to officially ban these organizations. The order will remain in effect for five years from the date of publication in the Official Gazette, unless revoked or modified under Section 4 of the Act.
The move is part of the Centre’s continued efforts to crack down on organizations it deems a threat to national security and territorial integrity. [KNT]
