The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has prolonged the prohibition on the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front as an ‘unlawful association’ for another five years.
According to a notification, the MHA’s decision was prompted by intelligence suggesting the outfit, known as the JKLF-Y, remains engaged in “activities detrimental to security and public order, with the potential to undermine the unity and integrity of the country.”
Under the authority of section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967), the MHA initially designated the JKLF-Y as an unlawful association on March 22, 2019.
Based on recent reports, the MHA found that the JKLF-Y persists in anti-national and subversive actions aimed at destabilizing India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. It maintains connections with militant groups and promotes extremism and militancy, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir.
The notification issued on Friday evening states, “The JKLF-Y backs and encourages efforts for the secession of a portion of Indian territory from the union. It supports terrorist and separatist organizations striving for this objective by engaging in activities and statements designed to disrupt India’s territorial integrity.”
The MHA underscores the necessity to curb the unlawful activities of the JKLF-Y promptly. It warns that failure to do so may embolden the organization to escalate its subversive endeavors, including attempts to establish a separate state by destabilizing the legally established government.
Moreover, the MHA asserts that the JKLF-Y will persist in advocating for the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from India, disputing the state’s accession with the Union, propagating anti-national and separatist sentiments, and promoting secessionist movements, militancy, and violence.
Given these circumstances, the Central Government has decided to declare the JKLF-Y as an ‘unlawful association’ immediately. This declaration, made under section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967), will remain effective for five years from the date of publication in the Official Gazette, subject to any orders issued under section 4 of the Act.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah commended the ministry’s action via his official handle, emphasizing the Modi government’s commitment to combating organizations that perpetuate terror and secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir. He warned that individuals challenging the nation’s security, sovereignty, and integrity will face severe legal consequences.