New Delhi: The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal has upheld the Union Ministry of Home Affairs’ decision to impose a five-year ban on the Awami Action Committee (AAC) and the Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM). The tribunal, headed by Delhi High Court Judge Justice Sachin Datta, delivered two separate orders declaring both groups unlawful associations under Section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
The tribunal stated that it had reviewed the evidence independently and found sufficient grounds to maintain the bans. The orders cited the organizations’ alleged involvement in anti-national activities, propagation of separatist narratives, and support for terrorism.
The AAC, founded in 1963 by Mirwaiz Maulana Farooq, is currently led by his son Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. According to the government, AAC leaders have faced multiple criminal cases, including charges of sedition, unlawful assembly, and incitement of unrest. The group is accused of mobilizing funds for secessionist causes and inciting violence in Jammu and Kashmir.
The JKIM, established by Molvi Abbas Ansari and now led by his son Masroor Abbas Ansari, has also been accused of backing terrorism, spreading anti-India propaganda, and funding separatist networks.
The bans, first notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs on March 11, 2024, are part of broader efforts to restrict organizations viewed as a threat to India’s sovereignty. While supporters argue the move is necessary for security in the region, critics view it as restrictive of political dissent.
