SRINAGAR, DEC 27: In a decisive move to counter anti-national and secessionist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Home Ministry announced the ban on a faction of the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir led by separatist leader Masarat Alam Bhat.
The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act empowers the government to ban organizations that are deemed to be involved in activities that threaten the security and sovereignty of the country. The decision to ban the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir underscores the government’s commitment to combating terrorism and separatism.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, in a statement on the official ‘X’ platform, declared that the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) is now an “Unlawful Association” under the UAPA.
Shah highlighted the organization’s involvement in anti-national and secessionist activities, supporting terrorism, and inciting people to establish Islamic rule in Jammu and Kashmir.
Masarat Alam Bhat, known for his anti-India and pro-Pakistan stance, assumed leadership of the hardline faction of the Hurriyat Conference following the demise of Syed Ali Shah Geelani.
Currently incarcerated, Bhat has been a key figure in promoting separatist ideologies.
The Home Ministry, through a notification, outlined the objectives of the banned faction, which include seeking freedom for Jammu and Kashmir from India, merging it with Pakistan, and establishing Islamic rule. The organization has been accused of engaging in secessionist activities, raising funds from various sources, including Pakistan and its proxies, to support terrorist activities and sustain stone-pelting on security forces in the region.
The ministry stressed that the banned faction and its members demonstrate disrespect towards the constitutional authority and setup of the country, undermining India’s integrity, sovereignty, security, and communal harmony.
There are also indications of linkages between the banned faction and other proscribed terrorist organizations.
The Central government, perceiving an immediate threat to the territorial integrity, security, and sovereignty of the country, invoked the powers conferred by the UAPA to declare the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) as an unlawful association with immediate effect. The ban will remain in effect for five years, as specified by the Act unless otherwise ordered.
Masarat Alam Bhat’s history of involvement in violent protests dates back to 2010, leading to his imprisonment. His release in 2015 became a contentious issue in the PDP-BJP alliance, resulting in his rearrest on charges of sedition and waging war against the state. The government, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, maintains a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism. This year alone, four organizations have been banned under the UAPA, and six individuals have been declared terrorists, according to a Home Ministry official. The latest ban on the Masarat Alam-led faction underscores the government’s determination to address security challenges in the region and safeguard the nation’s interests.
