Srinagar, Dec 27: The Centre on Wednesday declared Muslim League Jammu Kashmir-Masarat Alam faction (MLJK-MA) as an ‘unlawful association’ under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Law (UAPA).
The decision comes in response to the outfit’s involvement in anti-national and secessionist activities in the Jammu and Kashmir region, with the purported intent to instigate a reign of terror in the country.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said in a social media post that the organisation and its members are involved in “anti-national and secessionist activities in Jammu and Kashmir supporting terrorist activities and inciting people to establish Islamic rule” in the Union territory.
“The Prime Minister Narendra Modi government’s message is loud and clear that anyone acting against the unity, sovereignty, and integrity of our nation will not be spared and face the full wrath of the law,” Shah said.
A notification from the Union Home Ministry highlighted Masarat Alam Bhat’s known history of engaging in anti-India and pro-Pakistan propaganda. After the demise of Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Bhat assumed the chairmanship of the hardline faction of the Hurriyat Conference and is currently in custody.
The objectives of the MLJK-MA, as outlined in the notification, include seeking freedom for Jammu and Kashmir from India, merging it with Pakistan, and establishing Islamic rule. The organization and its members are accused of engaging in secessionist activities, raising funds from various sources, including Pakistan and its proxy organizations, to support terrorist activities and sustain stone-pelting on security forces in the troubled region.
The notification, issued by the government, outlines the objectives of the MLJK-MA, chaired by Masarat Alam Bhat, as seeking the freedom of Jammu and Kashmir from India to merge with Pakistan and establish Islamic rule.
“The group is accused of raising funds through various sources, including Pakistan and its proxy organizations, to support unlawful activities, including terrorism and sustained stone-pelting on security forces in the region,” it said.
The notification says that the government has expressed concern over the MLJK-MA’s activities, which show disrespect towards the constitutional authority and setup of the country.
The leaders and members, particularly Chairman Masarat Alam Bhat, are accused of indulging in unlawful activities that pose a threat to the integrity, sovereignty, security, and communal harmony of the nation.
It also highlights the perceived linkages of the MLJK-MA with banned terrorist organizations, raising alarms about the group’s involvement in supporting terrorist activities to create a reign of terror in the country.
The Central Government believes that immediate action is necessary to curb the organization’s activities, which could lead to continued anti-national actions detrimental to the territorial integrity and security of the country.
The government has invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, to declare the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) as an unlawful association with immediate effect.
The decision is based on the firm opinion that failure to control the group’s activities could lead to the propagation of false narratives, anti-national sentiments, and disruptions to public order in Jammu and Kashmir.
As per the provisions of the Act, the Central Government has directed that this declaration shall have effect for a period of five years from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, subject to any order that may be made under section 4 of the said Act. The move is aimed at safeguarding the nation’s security and preventing further threats to its sovereignty.
The outfit is likely to continue advocating the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from India, promoting false narratives, and inciting anti-national sentiments among the people of the region, which could disrupt public safety.
Therefore, exercising the powers conferred by the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, the Central government has declared the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) as an unlawful association with immediate effect, the ministry said.
The ban will remain in effect for five years from the date of its publication in the official gazette unless otherwise ordered. It is pertinent to mention that this year, four organisations have been banned under the anti-terror law UAPA, and six individuals have been declared terrorists by the Ministry.
