The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a significant order on Tuesday, banning the Jammu Kashmir National Front (JKNF), a constituent of the hardline Hurriyat Conference, for a period of five years under the stringent anti-terror law, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The move comes as a response to the outfits alleged activities aimed at sowing seeds of disaffection among people and engaging in actions detrimental to the countrys security and sovereignty.Order and DeclarationIn a late-night notification, the MHA declared the JKNF, led by Nayeem Ahmad Khan, as an “unlawful association” with immediate effect. The order, under the UAPA, will be in effect for a period of five years, as stated in the notification. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced this development in a post on X, emphasising the governments commitment to uprooting terror forces and ensuring the security of the nation.Allegations and ActionsThe notification highlighted the involvement of JKNF members in mobilising violent protesters in various parts of Kashmir, allegedly perpetrating unlawful activities such as supporting terrorist activities and engaging in sustained stone-pelting on security forces. Nayeem Ahmad Khan himself was among the first separatist leaders arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in a terror funding case in 2017 and is currently in judicial custody. Reasons Behind BanThe MHA justified the ban by asserting that failure to take immediate action against the JKNF would allow the organisation to continue with its anti-national activities, posing threats to the territorial integrity, security, and sovereignty of the country. The outfit has been accused of advocating for the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from India, propagating false narratives and anti-national sentiments, thereby aiming to cause disaffection against India and disrupt public order.Furthermore, the government accused the JKNF of urging the people of Kashmir to refrain from participating in elections, which directly undermines the fundamental principles of Indian democracy. It condemned the outfit and its members for displaying disrespect towards the constitutional authority and the constitutional architecture of the country.The ban on the Jammu Kashmir National Front under the UAPA marks a significant step in the governments efforts to curb separatist activities and maintain national security. The decision underscores the administrations determination to confront and dismantle elements posing threats to the sovereignty and integrity of the nation.
