The separatist organization Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) and its chief Yasin Malik have suffered a setback. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act Tribunal (UAPA Tribunal) has stated that there is credible evidence to declare the JKLF as an illegal association and uphold the ban imposed by the Central government.
The JKLF, headed by separatist Yasin Malik, was banned by the Home Ministry on March 22. The tribunal has said there was there "sufficient cause to confirm notification issued by government declaring the said organization as an unlawful association".
The tribunal, in its order, held that the activities of the faction are "disruptive in character, which threatens the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India". The order stated that the faction has been acting "in collusion with other similar groups to disrupt peace and harmony in Jammu and Kashmir."
The center had previously submitted a list of 98 FIRs filed against the faction. "A careful perusal of the FIRs makes it apparent that the association has been actively indulging in and supporting anti-national activities," Justice Shekhar stated.
The tribunal observed that there is a sufficient noticeable credible material including the FIRs coupled with intelligence inputs which justified the action taken by the government.
"Even in cases where FIRs are lodged for slogan shouting, the contents of the slogan are a direct affront to the sovereignty of the state and are undoubtedly anti-national … such protests can certainly not be a part of any democratic process," the order stated.
