The Centre has declared the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (JKDFP), founded by separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah as an “unlawful association” under the anti-terror Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The ban is effective for five years.
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The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said that the members of JKDFP have been at the forefront of secessionist activities in Jammu and Kashmir and want to create a “separate Islamic State”.
The Ministry said that the outfit has been involved in anti-national activities since 1998 and its members have always promoted separatism and terrorist acts in India. Many criminal cases have been registered against the outfit under various Sections of UAPA, the Indian Penal Code, the Arms Act and the Ranbir Penal Code.
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The MHA, in a notification, said that JKDFP has been involved in raising funds through various sources for perpetrating unlawful activities and supporting terrorist activities. It added that JKDFP, its leaders or members, and particularly its founder Shabir Ahmad Shah, have been indulging in unlawful activities, which are prejudicial to the integrity, sovereignty, security and communal harmony of the country. Mr. Shah is presently in jail.
The Ministry said it has several inputs showing links of the JKDFP with banned terrorist organisations.
“JKDFP and its members have been involved in the violent terrorist activities with an intent to create a reign of terror in the country, thereby endangering the security and public order of the State, and its anti-national activities also show disrespect and disregard to the constitutional authority and sovereignty of the state, hence an immediate and prompt action is required against the organisation,” the notification said.
The Ministry said if the Hurriyat faction is not declared an unlawful association it would continue advocating the secession of J&K from India while disputing J&K’s accession to India.