The Union Government on Thursday declared the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (JKDFP) as an unlawful association for a period of five years. The declaration was made by the Home Ministry through a notification announcing the JKDFP as an 'Unlawful Association' under Section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967. According to the notification, the decision is based on information that the group has been engaged in "anti-national activities since 1998 and its members have always promoted separatism and terrorist acts in India."
What does the notification say?
"The members of this organization, by inciting the people, want to make Kashmir a separate Islamic state, which is prejudicial to the sovereignty, security and integrity of India. Many criminal cases have been registered against this organization under various sections of UAPA 1967, IPC 1860, The Arms Act 1959 and Ranbir Penal Code 1932," the notification read.
Founder and aim of JKDFP
Shabir Ahmad Shah, a prominent separatist known for his anti-India and pro-Pakistan propaganda, had formed the JKDFP in 1998. He had called Kashmir a 'dispute' and ruled out any settlement within the framework of the Constitution of India. "The leader or members of the JKDFP have been involved in raising funds through various sources including Pakistan and its proxy organizations for perpetrating unlawful activities, including supporting terrorist activities, sustained stone-pelting on Security forces in Jammu and Kashmir," the notification stated.
The notification further states that the JKDFP and its members show sheer disrespect towards the constitutional authority and constitutional set-up of the country. "The JKDFP and its leaders or members, 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. There have been a number of inputs showing linkages of the JKDFP with banned terrorist organizations," reads the notification.
Why JKDFP was banned?
As per the notification, if there is no immediate curb or control of unlawful activities of the JKDFP, it will use this opportunity to continue with the anti-national activities that are detrimental to the territorial integrity, security and sovereignty of the country. It may also continue advocating the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from the Union of India while disputing its accession to the Union of India.
The notification said the outfit could also escalate its insurrectionary activities including an attempt to carve out an Islamic State out of the territory of the Union of India by destabilizing the Government established by law, and continuing to propagate anti-national sentiments of the people of Jammu and Kashmir with the intention to cause disaffection against India and disrupt public order.
(With ANI inputs)
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