Days after the Union Home Minister declared the Masarat Alam-led Muslim League a separatist organization anti-national, the Handwara police took to the streets on Thursday to make people aware that any sort of contact with the banned outfit can invite strict legal action.
According to reports, the Handwara police announced the same via loudspeakers throughout the market, stating, “Beware of making contact with the banned Hurriyat organization. Any contact may lead to legal action.”
Eyewitnesses also mentioned a drum beater accompanying the police during the announcement drive. Posters were additionally pasted in various locations in Handwara town, warning people to stay away from the banned Hurriyat organization and stating that those attempting any form of contact would be dealt with strictly.
The Jammu and Kashmir-based group was declared outlawed by the government on December 27 under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, for five years.
The Union Home Ministry, exercising powers conferred by sub-section (1) of section 5, read with subsection (1) of section 4 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967), constituted the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal. The tribunal, consisting of Justice Sachin Datta, Judge, High Court of Delhi, will adjudicate whether or not there is sufficient cause for declaring the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) (MLJK-MA) as an unlawful association.
While announcing the ban on this party, Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that the Modi government’s message is clear: those who act against the unity, sovereignty, and integrity of the nation will face the full wrath of the law and will not be spared.
