The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has decided to extend the ban on the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (Mohd. Yasin Malik faction) as an ‘unlawful association’ for another five years, citing ongoing concerns regarding its activities. The decision comes after thorough consideration of inputs indicating the outfit’s involvement in activities deemed detrimental to national security, public order, and the unity of the country.
Utilizing the authority granted by sub-section (1) of section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967), the MHA declared the JKLF-Y as an unlawful association on March 22, 2019. This recent move is based on updated reports indicating that the JKLF-Y is still engaged in anti-national and subversive activities aimed at undermining India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The outfit is reported to maintain close connections with militant groups and actively support extremism and militancy in Jammu and Kashmir and other regions.
The notification issued by the MHA on Friday night elaborates on the reasons behind the ban extension. It states that the JKLF-Y continues to advocate for the secession of a part of Indian territory, support terrorist and separatist groups, propagate anti-national sentiments, and incite violence.
The Central government thinks that if these unlawful activities are not promptly curbed, the outfit may escalate its subversive actions, including attempts to create a separate state within India by destabilizing the legally established government.
The Ministry emphasizes that the JKLF-Y’s actions pose a significant threat to the territorial integrity, security, and sovereignty of the country. Therefore, the Central government has deemed it necessary to declare the outfit as an ‘unlawful association’ once again, effective immediately. This decision is made under the proviso to sub-section (3) of section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, with the notification valid for five years from its publication in the Official Gazette.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed his support for this decision, acknowledging the ongoing challenges posed by the banned outfit. He emphasized that the Modi government remains committed to combating terrorism and separatism in Jammu and Kashmir. Shah warned that anyone found threatening the security, sovereignty, and integrity of the nation would face severe legal consequences.
Overall, the extension of the ban on the JKLF-Y underscores the government’s determination to maintain law and order, safeguard national interests, and prevent activities that pose a threat to India’s unity and stability.
