Centre bans Mirwaiz's Awami Action Committee, J&K Ittihadul Muslimeen for five years

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday declared two Jammu and Kashmir-based parties -- Awami Action Committee headed by Hurriyat Conference chairman and cleric Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM) led by Masroor Abbas Ansari -- as unlawful associations and banned them with immediate effect for a period of next five years.

"Jammu & Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen and Awami Action Committee have been declared unlawful associations under UAPA. These organisations were found inciting people to cause law and order situations, posing a threat to the unity and integrity of Bharat," Union Home Minister Amit Shah posted on X.

He said that anyone found involved in activities against the nation's peace, order and sovereignty is bound to face the "crushing blow" of the Modi government.

The Home Ministry, in its official order, stated that JKIM, chaired by Masroor Abbas Ansari, is indulging was unlawful activities, which were prejudicial to the integrity, sovereignty and security of the country. "The members of the JKIM have remained involved in supporting terrorist activities and anti-India propaganda for fuelling secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir," the order read.

Similarly, for AAC, the MHA said its members have remained involved in supporting terrorist activities and anti-India propaganda to fuel secessionism in J&K. “The leaders and members of the AAC have been involved in mobilising funds for perpetrating unlawful activities including supporting secessionist, separatist and terrorist activities in J&K,” the notification read.

It stated that different FIRs have been registered against Umar Farooq for anti-India speeches and for supporting bandh calls and calling for polls boycott.

According to the notification, the Central government is of the opinion that if there is no immediate curb or control of the unlawful activities of the AAC, it will use this opportunity to continue these and advocate secession of J&K while disputing its accession to the Union of India.

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 JKIM members showed sheer disrespect towards the constitutional authority and constitutional set up of the country.

"The 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 order read.

The MHA said that the Central Government is firmly of the opinion that having regard to the activities of the Jammu and Kashmir Ittehadul Muslimeen (JKIM), it is necessary to declare the JKIM as an unlawful association with immediate effect.

Mirwaiz flays move

Mirwaiz said this move seems part of the continuation of the policy of intimidation and disempowerment

He said the voice of truth may be suppressed through force but will not be silenced.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti said it another blow to the political and social landscape of Kashmir and called on the J&K govt to intervene

Suppressing dissent will only deepen tensions rather than resolve them, she said.