Srinagar: The Ministry of Home Affairs on Tuesday declared two Jammu and Kashmir-based groups, including the one headed by Kashmir Chief Cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, as banned organisations for five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
The two groups banned included Awami Action Committee (AAC) headed by Mirwaiz and Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM) led by Masroor Abbas Ansari.
The decision was taken citing the organization’s alleged involvement in anti-national activities, secessionist propaganda, and support for terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
In a notification, the MHA said that AAC chaired by Umar Farooq is indulging in unlawful activities, which are prejudicial to the integrity, sovereignty, and security of the country.
It said that members of the AAC have remained involved in supporting terrorist activities and anti-India propaganda for fuelling secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir.
The notification said the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and local law enforcement agencies have registered multiple cases against AAC members, including Umar Farooq, for their alleged role in promoting separatism and provoking the people against the Government of India for raising anti-national sentiments.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, the Central Government hereby declares the Awami Action Committee (AAC) as an unlawful association,” the notification read.
The MHA also banned (JKIM) led by Masroor Abbas Ansari alleging that the members of the group have been actively supporting terrorist activities, engaging in anti-India propaganda, and mobilizing funds to promote separatist and secessionist agendas in Jammu and Kashmir.
The ban on two groups is part of the Union government's broader crackdown on separatist and militant elements in Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier also several separatist and militant-linked groups have been banned by the MHA.
The banning has evoked sharp reaction from Mirwaiz and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti.
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq strongly condemned the ban on AAC, calling it unjust.
He said the AAC, founded during the Holy Relic agitation in 1964, has always advocated for the rights and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir through peaceful and democratic means.
He emphasized that the group has consistently called for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir conflict through dialogue, despite its members facing imprisonment and even killings.
"..This move seems part of the continuation of the policy of intimidation and disempowerment that is being followed viz a viz J&K since August 2019. The voice of truth may be suppressed through force but will not be silenced," Mirwaiz said in a post on X.
Mehbooba said that banning of AAC headed by Mirwaiz and Ittihadul Muslimeen is another blow to Kashmir’s social and political landscape.
"Suppressing dissent will only deepen tensions rather than resolve them. The J&K government must intervene to stop such actions. Democracy is about more than elections - it’s about protecting citizens’ fundamental rights. While silencing Kashmir’s voices may serve BJP’s political agenda, it undermines the very Constitution that safeguards these rights. The central government must reassess its approach and move away from heavy-handed tactics," she said on X.
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