The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has declared the Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM) an unlawful organization and imposed a five-year ban on the group, on the grounds that it is engaged in activities that threaten the country’s integrity, sovereignty, and security.
According to an official notification, JKIM, led by Masroor Abbas Ansari, has been actively involved in supporting terrorist activities and spreading anti-India propaganda to fuel separatism in Jammu and Kashmir.
The notification further said that JKIM and its members have been raising funds to support unlawful activities, including separatist and terrorist operations in the region.
The ban was enforced under Section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. The government exercised its powers under Section 3(3) of the Act to declare JKIM unlawful, ensuring that the ban will remain in place for five years from the date of its official notification.
“The Central Government, having regard to the above circumstances, is of firm opinion that it is necessary to declare the Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM) as an unlawful association with immediate effect. Accordingly, in exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to sub-section (3) of Section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Central Government hereby directs that this notification shall have effect for a period of five years from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette,” the notification said.
The MHA also highlighted JKIM’s persistent disregard for India’s constitutional authority and governance. The organization has been accused of promoting separatism by inciting public unrest, encouraging armed struggle against the Indian state, and spreading anti-government sentiments.
The Ministry warned that if JKIM’s activities are not curbed immediately, the group could continue to undermine national security, territorial integrity, and peace in the region. It could also persist in advocating for Jammu and Kashmir’s secession, challenging its accession to India, and spreading anti-national sentiments to create public discord.
(Inputs from ANI)