Centre bans Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen for 5 years citing unlawful activities

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday declared Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM) as an unlawful association and banned it with immediate effect for a period of next five years.

The ministry, in an official order, stated that JKIM, chaired by Masroor Abbas Ansari, is indulging in unlawful activities, which are prejudicial to the integrity, sovereignty and security of the country

“The members of JKIM have remained involved in supporting terrorist activities and anti-India propaganda for fuelling secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir,” the order read.

The Centre alleged that the leaders and members of JKIM have been involved in “mobilising funds” for perpetrating unlawful activities, including supporting secessionist, separatist and terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir.

The ministry said that JKIM and its members by their activities showed sheer disrespect towards the constitutional authority and constitutional set up of the country.

“JKIM involved in promoting and aiding the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from India by indulging in anti-national and subversive activities; sowing seeds of discontent among the people; inciting people to destabilise law and order, encouraging the use of arms to cause secession of Jammu and Kashmir from the Union of India and promoting hatred against the established Government,” the official order read.

The MHA said that the central government is firmly of the opinion that having regard to the activities of JKIM, it is necessary to declare it as an unlawful association with immediate effect.

The Centre also stated that if there is no immediate curb or control of unlawful activities of JKIM, it will use this opportunity to continue with the anti-national activities which are detrimental to the territorial integrity, security and sovereignty of the country.