Centre Imposes 5 Yrs Ban on Jammu Kashmir National Front under UAPA

The central government has imposed a five-year ban on the Jammu Kashmir National Front (JKNF), a constituent of the hardline Hurriyat Conference, under the rigorous anti-terror law for instigating disaffection among citizens and participating in actions detrimental to the nation’s security and sovereignty.

Through an official directive, the Ministry of Home Affairs proclaimed the JKNF, led by Nayeem Ahmad Khan, an “unlawful association” with immediate effect under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. This decree will remain valid for a period of five years.

Khan, one of the earliest separatist leaders, was arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in a terror funding case. Taken into custody on July 24, 2017, he is presently under judicial custody.

Following the government’s action against the JKNF, Home Minister Amit Shah stated in a post on X, “The outfit was found carrying out secessionist activities to sever Jammu and Kashmir from Bharat and supporting terrorism, challenging the sovereignty, security, and integrity of the nation.” “We are committed to uprooting terror forces to ensure the security of the people of Bharat,” he added. In its order, the government stated that the JKNF is engaging in unlawful activities, which are prejudicial to the integrity, sovereignty, and security of the country.

It was noted that members of the JKNF have consistently engaged in supporting terrorist activities and disseminating anti-India propaganda to fuel secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir, while also providing logistical support to terrorists in the Union territory. Furthermore, it was highlighted that JKNF members “have been involved in mobilizing violent protesters in various parts of Kashmir to perpetrate unlawful activities, including supporting terrorist activities, and engaging in sustained stone pelting on security forces.” In issuing the ban on the organization for a five-year period, the government emphasized that failure to take such action immediately would allow the JKNF to persist in anti-national activities that are detrimental to the territorial integrity, security, and sovereignty of the country.

The organization advocates for the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from the Union of India and spreads false narratives and anti-national sentiments among the people of Jammu and Kashmir, intending to cause disaffection against India and disrupt public order.

The government stated that the JKNF consistently urges the people of Kashmir to refrain from participating in elections, thereby targeting and obstructing the fundamental principles of Indian democracy as recognized by the constitution. It further mentioned that the JKNF and its members “demonstrate blatant disrespect towards the constitutional authority and structure of the country” and are involved in promoting, aiding, and abetting the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from India by engaging in anti-national and subversive activities.

The group is “planting seeds of disaffection among people” and inciting individuals to destabilize law and order, promote terrorism, and propagate hatred against the established government, while repeatedly calling for the boycott of elections in Jammu and Kashmir.