- In a significant move, the UAPA tribunal has upheld the Government of India’s decision to impose a five-year ban on the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat (TeH), Jammu and Kashmir.
- The tribunal confirmed that both the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir and Tehreek-e-Hurriyat have been actively involved in promoting the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from India.
- Evidence indicated that these organizations received support from Pakistan-based terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Hizbul Mujahideen.
- The Union Home Ministry highlighted that TeH members raised funds from various sources, including Pakistan and its proxies, to support terrorist activities.
- The ministry noted that TeH’s actions displayed clear disregard for India’s constitution, threatening the country’s integrity, sovereignty, security, and communal harmony.
- In January, the central government empowered state governments and Union Territory administrations to exercise powers under Sections 7 and 8 of the UAPA.
In a significant move, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) tribunal has upheld the Government of India’s decision to impose a five-year ban on the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) and Tehreek-e-Hurriyat (TeH), Jammu and Kashmir. The tribunal, led by Delhi High Court judge Sachin Datta, found substantial evidence supporting the ban on these organizations, which have been implicated in secessionist activities and ties with terrorist groups.
The tribunal confirmed that both the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir and Tehreek-e-Hurriyat have been actively involved in promoting the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from India. Their ultimate aim is to facilitate the region’s merger with Pakistan and to establish an Islamic state in the Union Territory.
Evidence indicated that these organizations received support from Pakistan-based terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Hizbul Mujahideen. They provided logistical and operational support to these groups for militant activities in the valley.
Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati and advocate Rajat Nair represented the central government in the tribunal proceedings. They presented detailed arguments and evidence of the organizations’ involvement in anti-national activities.
The government had declared the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) as an unlawful association under the UAPA on December 27, 2023, citing their engagement in activities that undermine national integrity and security.
Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, founded by the late separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, was banned for five years on December 31, 2023. The organization has been involved in anti-India propaganda and has played a role in fomenting terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Union Home Ministry highlighted that TeH members raised funds from various sources, including Pakistan and its proxies, to support terrorist activities and orchestrate sustained unrest through activities like stone-pelting against security forces.
The ministry noted that TeH’s actions showed blatant disrespect towards India’s constitutional authority and framework, engaging in activities that threaten the country’s integrity, sovereignty, security, and communal harmony.
The Muslim League Jammu Kashmir, particularly the faction led by Masarat Alam, was implicated in anti-national and secessionist activities aimed at spreading terror and destabilizing the region.
The ministry’s notification emphasized the group’s goal of achieving Jammu and Kashmir’s separation from India and its merger with Pakistan, while establishing Islamic rule.
In January, the central government empowered state governments and Union Territory administrations to exercise powers under Sections 7 and 8 of the UAPA. These sections allow for the prohibition of funds usage and the notification of places used by unlawful associations.
This move is aimed at enhancing local authorities’ ability to address issues related to the banned organizations more effectively.
Masarat Alam Bhat, known for his anti-India and pro-Pakistan rhetoric, became the head of the hardline Hurriyat Conference faction after Syed Ali Shah Geelani’s death. He is currently incarcerated, facing charges related to his activities against the Indian state.
The tribunal’s decision to uphold the five-year ban on Tehreek-e-Hurriyat and Muslim League Jammu Kashmir underscores the Indian government’s commitment to combating terrorism and secessionist movements in Jammu and Kashmir. The formation of a high-level committee and the empowerment of state authorities further indicate the government’s proactive measures to maintain national security and uphold constitutional integrity.
(With inputs from agencies)
