The ministry of home affairs has declared ‘Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction)’ as an ‘unlawful association’ under Section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967.

In 2023, four organisations have been banned under the anti-terror law UAPA, and six individuals have been declared as terrorists.

Why MHA took this decision?

• The ministry of home affairs, in a notification, stated that the objectives of the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) are to attain freedom for Jammu & Kashmir from India, merge it with Pakistan, and establish Islamic rule.

• The organisation’s members have been involved in secessionist activities, raising funds through various sources, including Pakistan and its proxy organisations, to support terrorist activities and sustain stone-pelting on security forces in Jammu & Kashmir.

• The home ministry emphasised that the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) and its members show disrespect towards the constitutional authority and setup of the country.

• Their unlawful activities undermine the integrity, sovereignty, security, and communal harmony of India.

• Additionally, there have been indications of the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) having linkages with banned terrorist organisations.

• The outfit and its members have been supporting terrorist activities with the intent to create terror in the country, thereby endangering its security and public order.

• Their anti-national activities demonstrate disregard and disrespect for the constitutional authority and sovereignty of India.

• The central government believes that immediate action is necessary against the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) to curb its unlawful activities, which pose a threat to the territorial integrity, security, and sovereignty of the country.

• The outfit is likely to continue advocating the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from India, promoting false narratives, and inciting anti-national sentiments among the people of the region, which could disrupt public safety.

• Therefore, exercising the powers conferred by the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, the central government has declared the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) as an unlawful association with immediate effect.

Who is Masarat Alam Bhat?

• Masarat Alam Bhat became the chairman of the hardline faction of the Hurriyat Conference following the death of Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

• Bhat has been in jail since 2010 for his alleged involvement in violent protests in the Kashmir valley.

• His release in 2015 became the first impediment in PDP-BJP alliance when the then chief minister Mufti Mohammed Sayeed got him released immediately after taking oath.

• Under pressure from its ally BJP, the then state government had to rearrest him on charges of sedition and waging war against the state after allegedly raising pro-Pakistan slogans at a rally.

• Bhat was accused of playing a key role in organising violent protests in Kashmir in 2010, which resulted in the deaths of over 100 youths.

What is the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act?

• Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act is an anti-terror law aimed at the effective prevention of unlawful activities of individuals and associations in India. Its main objective is to make powers available for dealing with activities directed against the integrity and sovereignty of India.

• It was passed in 1967 under the Congress government led by PM Indira Gandhi. Later, amendments were brought in under the UPA governments in 2004, 2008 and 2013.

• In August 2019, the President gave approval to The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act, 2019. 

• The amended Act included provision of designating an individual as a terrorist. Prior to this amendment, only organisations could be designated as terrorist organisations.

• The amendment gave powers to the director general of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to attach properties acquired from proceeds of terrorism. Earlier, the law required that the NIA take prior permission from the respective state police chief to attach the proceeds of terrorism. 

• Also, the International Convention for Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism (2005) has been added in the Second Schedule through the amendment.

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