Today(on 22nd June)The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal upheld the Ministry of Home Affairs’ designation of Jammu and Kashmir-based organizations Muslim League [Masrat Alam faction] and Tehreek E Huriyat as unlawful under the UAPA. Formed by late separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, the ban on these groups has been extended by the tribunal for another 5 years.
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NEW DELHI: Today(on 22nd June),The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal has upheld the Ministry of Home Affairs’ orders, declaring Jammu and Kashmir-based organizations, Muslim League [Masrat Alam faction] and Tehreek E Huriyat, as unlawful associations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
Both organizations were originally founded by the late Kashmiri-separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani. The tribunal’s decision to maintain the ban reflects the ongoing measures to curb activities deemed harmful to national security. The Central Government’s ban, which was initially imposed on these organizations, has now been extended and will continue to be enforced for the next five years.
In this ruling, the tribunal emphasized the severe consequences for individuals associated with these groups. For the next five years, if any person claims to be a member or a sympathizer of these associations, they will face prosecution under stringent UAPA provisions. This statement underscores the government’s commitment to tackling terrorism and unlawful activities linked to separatist movements.
Justice Sachin Datta of the Delhi High Court presided over the tribunal. His judgment reflects a thorough examination of the evidence and considerations presented by the Ministry of Home Affairs. The tribunal found sufficient grounds to uphold the ban, considering the potential threat these organizations pose to the sovereignty and integrity of India.
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The ruling has significant implications for the region and the individuals associated with these groups. The UAPA provisions are known for their rigorous approach towards preventing and penalizing unlawful activities. With the ban’s extension, authorities will continue to monitor and take action against those affiliated with the Muslim League [Masrat Alam faction] and Tehreek E Huriyat.
The tribunal’s decision aligns with the government’s broader strategy to maintain national security and order in Jammu and Kashmir. By extending the ban, the government aims to prevent any resurgence of separatist activities that could destabilize the region.
Syed Ali Shah Geelani, a prominent figure in the Kashmiri separatist movement, founded these organizations with an agenda that often clashed with the Indian government’s policies. The tribunal’s ruling is a reminder of the ongoing efforts to address and mitigate the influence of such separatist entities.
The tribunal, after thoroughly examining the evidence presented by the Central Government, confirmed that the organizations in question were indeed Pakistan-sponsored entities engaged in secessionist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. These activities aimed at separating the region from India to facilitate its merger with Pakistan and establish Islamic rule.
The tribunal’s findings further upheld the Central Government’s contention that these organizations were operating under the aegis of Pakistan-based terrorist groups.
The tribunal stated-
“These organizations were reported to act on behalf of Pakistan-based terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) led by Hafiz Saeed, Jamaat-ud-Dawa under Iftikhar Hyder Rana, and Hizbul Mujahideen led by Syed Salahuddin.”
The evidence indicated that these terrorist groups provided consistent on-ground support to carry out militant operations in the valley.
Earlier this year, the Central Government had imposed bans on seven other organizations operating in the Kashmir valley. These bans are currently under scrutiny by tribunals presided over by Justice Naveen Chawla and Justice Neena Bansal of the Delhi High Court.
ASG Ashwarya Bhati and advocate Rajat Nair represented the Central Government in these proceedings. They argued that the banned organizations were actively involved in terrorist activities and received backing from notorious terrorist groups in Pakistan.
“The support provided by these groups was instrumental in facilitating militant operations in the valley.”
-said ASG Ashwarya Bhati during the hearing.
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On the other hand, Advocate Warisha Farasat, representing the Muslim League Jammu and Kashmir [Masrat Alam faction], contested the government’s ban. Advocate Farasat argued that the government’s evidence was insufficient to justify the ban and that the organizations were being wrongfully targeted.
“The government has not provided concrete evidence directly linking these organizations to the alleged terrorist activities.”
– she stated.
By acting on behalf of well-known terrorist groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jamaat-ud-Dawa, and Hizbul Mujahideen, these organizations were not only fostering instability in the region but also jeopardizing national security.
