In a significant development, the central government has granted states and Union Territories (UTs) the authority to utilize powers outlined in the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, concerning the banned Jammu Kashmir National Front (JKNF). This decision comes after the JKNF was banned for the next five years earlier this month.
According to a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), states and UTs can now invoke section 7 and section 8 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 against the proscribed terror outfit JKNF. This move highlights a collaborative effort to address security concerns and combat threats posed by banned organizations.
The notification follows the MHA’s declaration of the JKNF as an unlawful association. The MHA had exercised its powers conferred by the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, declaring the JKNF as unlawful through a notification dated March 12, 2024.
The directive from the central government empowers state governments and UT administrations to exercise powers under section 7 and section 8 of the said Act in relation to the JKNF. This measure underscores a coordinated approach in dealing with security challenges posed by unlawful organizations.
The MHA’s decision to ban the JKNF came after careful consideration of its activities. The outfit, chaired by Nayeem Ahmad Khan, was found to be engaging in unlawful activities detrimental to the integrity, sovereignty, and security of the country.
Members of the JKNF were observed supporting terrorist activities and propagating anti-India sentiments to fuel secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir. The outfit also provided logistical support to terrorists operating in the region.
The MHA’s notification highlighted the JKNF’s involvement in mobilizing violent protests and obstructing democratic processes in Jammu and Kashmir. The outfit consistently discouraged participation in elections, undermining the principles of Indian democracy.
Furthermore, the JKNF was accused of promoting secessionism and inciting hatred against the Bharatiya government. The outfit’s activities aimed at destabilizing law and order in the region, advocating for the use of arms to separate Jammu and Kashmir from Bharat.
The central government emphasized the need to curb the unlawful activities of the JKNF to safeguard the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country. Failure to control these activities could lead to continued anti-national propaganda and disruption of public order in Jammu and Kashmir.
Overall, the government’s decision to empower states and UTs to take action against the JKNF reflects a concerted effort to address security threats and uphold the rule of law in the region.
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