Centre cracks UAPA whip, bans Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party for 5 yrs

The Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (JKDFP) was deemed an illegal association for a period of five years by the central government on Thursday.

The JKDFP was designated as a “Unlawful Association” by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in accordance with Section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967.

The notification states that the move 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”.

“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.”

Shabir Ahmad Shah, a well-known separatist known for his pro-Pakistan and anti-India rhetoric, founded the JKDFP in 1998.

The members of the JKDFP have been at the forefront of secessionist activities in Jammu and Kashmir and want to establish a separate Islamic State, according to the MHA notification. Shabir Ahmad Shah had described Kashmir as a “dispute” and rejected any resolution within the parameters of the Indian Constitution.

“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,” reads the notification.

The notification also claims that the JKDFP and its members have shown the country’s constitutional authorities and system of government nothing but utter disdain through their actions.

“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.

The JKDFP and its members have engaged in violent terrorist activities with the aim of sowing terror throughout the nation, endangering state security and public order. Additionally, the organization’s anti-national activities demonstrate disrespect for the state’s constitutional authority and sovereignty, necessitating prompt action, according to the notification.

According to the notification, the JKDFP will use this chance to continue its anti-national activities that are harmful to the territorial integrity, security, and sovereignty of the country. It will continue advocating for the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from the Union of India while contesting its admission to the Union of India. It will also intensify its insurrectionary activities, including an attempt to carve out a separate state for itself.

“The Central Government, having regard to circumstances, is of firm opinion that it is necessary to declare the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (JKDFP) as an unlawful association with immediate effect, and accordingly, in the exercise of the powers conferred by the proviso to sub-section (3) of section 3 of the said Act, the Central Government hereby directs that this notification shall, subject to any order that may be made under section 4 of the said Act, have effect for a period of five years from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette,” added the notification.

(With agency inputs)