Srinagar, Mar 11: The Central Government Tuesday imposed a five-year ban on the Awami Action Committee (AAC), led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and the Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM), headed by Masroor Abbas Ansari, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA).
In two separate notifications, the Ministry of Home Affairs cited the organizations’ involvement in activities that threaten India’s sovereignty, integrity, and security as the primary reason for the ban.
“AAC, chaired by Umar Farooq, has been indulging in unlawful activities that are prejudicial to the integrity, sovereignty, and security of the country,” it said.
It further reads that members of AAC have been actively supporting terrorist activities, engaging in anti-India propaganda, and fueling secessionist sentiments in Jammu and Kashmir. They have also been accused of mobilising funds to perpetrate unlawful activities, including support for separatist and terrorist movements in the region,” it said.
According to the notification, AAC and its members have displayed blatant disregard for the constitutional authority and framework of India.
They have been involved in promoting and aiding the secession of Jammu and Kashmir by sowing discontent among the people, inciting lawlessness, and encouraging armed resistance. The government noted that the AAC has played a significant role in spreading hatred against the established government and destabilizing law and order.
The Ministry of Home Affairs cited specific cases to substantiate its decision. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a charge sheet against AAC spokesperson Aftab Ahmad Shah, also known as Shahid-ul-Islam, along with 11 others, before the NIA Special Court in New Delhi. The charges include sections related to criminal conspiracy, waging war against the state, and promoting terrorism under the UAPA.
It further said that several cases have been registered against Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and other AAC members at various police stations in Srinagar. These include charges of sedition, unlawful assembly, and incitement of violence. A case at Nowhatta Police Station accuses Umar Farooq of delivering speeches against the Government of India and calling for election boycotts.
Another case at Safakadal Police Station alleges that he provoked the public against the government and raised anti-national slogans. At Kothi Bagh Police Station, multiple cases have been filed against AAC leaders for shouting slogans against India’s integrity, delivering secessionist speeches, and instigating protests that led to violent clashes.
The government has warned that if AAC’s activities are not curbed, the organization will continue advocating for the secession of Jammu and Kashmir, spreading anti-India narratives, and escalating terrorism in the region. The Home Ministry expressed concern that the AAC’s influence could further incite public disorder, support terrorism, and propagate separatist ideology.
In light of these findings, the Central Government has exercised its powers under Section 3 of the UAPA to declare AAC as an unlawful association with immediate effect. The notification, published in the Official Gazette, ensures that the ban will remain in force for five years. The government said this action is necessary to safeguard national security and maintain peace in Jammu and Kashmir, it said.
Similarly, the government has banned JKIM, citing its members’ active involvement in supporting terrorism, engaging in anti-India propaganda, and mobilizing funds to promote separatist agendas.
The group has also been accused of inciting public unrest, advocating violence, and working against India’s constitutional framework. The Home Ministry stated that if JKIM’s activities were not curbed, it would continue disrupting public order, fostering anti-national sentiments, and supporting terrorism.
