The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has declared the Awami Action Committee (AAC), chaired by Umar Farooq, as an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967. The ban will remain in effect for five years.
Key reasons cited for the ban:
- AAC members allegedly engaged in supporting terrorist activities and anti-India propaganda to fuel secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir.
- Mobilization of funds for unlawful activities, including promoting separatism and radicalization.
- Encouragement of violence against established governments and support for armed insurgency.
- Involvement in multiple legal cases, including those under the UAPA and Indian Penal Code (IPC), for making speeches against India and provoking unrest.
- Continued advocacy for the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from India while rejecting its accession.
Legal proceedings and past incidents:
- The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed cases against AAC leaders, including its spokesperson Afzal Ahmad Shah, under various IPC and UAPA sections.
- FIRs have been registered for delivering speeches inciting violence, promoting militancy, and disrupting public order.
Government’s stance:
The Central Government has justified the ban, stating that AAC’s activities threaten India’s territorial integrity and security. The ban is expected to curb its influence and prevent further anti-national activities.
This move follows the government’s ongoing crackdown on separatist groups in Jammu and Kashmir, aiming to strengthen national security and stability in the region.
