In a significant development, Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced on December 31, the declaration of the Kashmiri separatist party Tehreek-e-Hurriyat (TeH) as an ‘Unlawful Association’ under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). This decision follows the organisation’s alleged involvement in activities aimed at the separation of Jammu and Kashmir from India and the establishment of Islamic rule.
In a social media post, Shah stated, “The ‘Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, J&K (TeH) has been declared an ‘Unlawful Association’ under UAPA. The outfit is involved in forbidden activities to separate J&K from India and establish Islamic rule. The group is found spreading anti-India propaganda and continuing terror activities to fuel secessionism in J&K.”
The Tehreek-e-Hurriyat has long been under scrutiny for its alleged role in spreading anti-India propaganda and promoting activities that fuel secessionism in the sensitive region of Jammu and Kashmir. The organisation has been accused of engaging in terror-related activities to achieve its objectives.
Shah underscored the government’s commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, stating, “Under PM Narendra Modi Ji’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, any individual or organisation found involved in anti-India activities will be thwarted forthwith.”
Earlier, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) declared the ‘Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction)’ (MLJK-MA) as an ‘Unlawful Association’ under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for the next five years.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised that those acting against the unity, sovereignty, and integrity of the nation will face the full force of the law.
The MHA’s notification pointed out that the MLJK-MA, chaired by Masarat Alam Bhat, is notorious for its anti-India and pro-Pakistan propaganda. The ministry’s action was prompted by information indicating that the organisation’s objectives include securing freedom for Jammu and Kashmir from India, merging the region with Pakistan, and establishing Islamic rule in the area.
Shortly after the issuance of the notification, Home Minister Amit Shah announced the development on ‘X’, formerly known as Twitter. He stated, “This organisation and its members are involved in anti-national and secessionist activities in J&K, supporting terrorist activities and inciting people to establish Islamic rule in J&K.”
According to the MHA notification, members of the MLJK-MA have engaged in secessionist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, raising funds through various sources, including Pakistan and its proxy organisations, to support terrorist activities and sustained stone-pelting on security forces.
Masarat Alam, the current chairman of the Hurriyat Conference and successor to the late Syed Ali Shah Geelani, leads the separatist organisation known as the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (MLJK). Currently incarcerated, Alam’s appointment as the chairman of the Hurriyat Conference was largely perceived as symbolic.
Having spent nearly 13 years in detention, Alam gained attention in 2010 when he issued calendars of protests, leading to his subsequent detention under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act (PSA).
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