New Delhi, Feb 28: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has taken decisive action by declaring two factions of the Muslim Conference in Jammu and Kashmir as unlawful associations for a period of five years. This move marks the first instance of such action against the moderate Hurriyat Conference constituent led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, to combat terrorism effectively. Shah emphasized severe consequences for those involved in unlawful activities, stating that the government had designated the Muslim Conference Jammu & Kashmir (Sumji faction) and Muslim Conference Jammu & Kashmir (Bhat faction) as Unlawful Associations.
The decision comes after the MHA’s findings revealed that these factions have been engaging in activities detrimental to the sovereignty and integrity of the nation. Through separate notifications, the MHA imposed an immediate ban on both outfits, exercising powers conferred by the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967.
According to the notifications, the Muslim Conference Jammu and Kashmir (Sumji faction), led by Ghulam Nabi Sumji, is notorious for its anti-India and pro-Pakistan propaganda. Similarly, the Muslim Conference Jammu and Kashmir (Bhat faction), chaired by Abdul Ghani Bhat, has been found indulging in unlawful activities prejudicial to the integrity, sovereignty, and security of the country.
The Ministry highlighted that members of the Muslim Conference Jammu and Kashmir (Sumji faction) have been actively involved in supporting terrorist activities and providing logistical support to terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, they have been raising funds through various sources, including Pakistan and its proxy organizations, to perpetrate unlawful activities, such as supporting terrorism and inciting violence against security forces in the region.
Moreover, the notification outlined how these outfits have consistently urged the people of Kashmir to refrain from participating in elections, undermining the fundamental principles of Indian democracy. Their activities demonstrate blatant disregard for constitutional authority and the established democratic framework of the country.
The Muslim Conference Jammu and Kashmir (Bhat faction), or MCJK-S, has similarly been engaged in promoting, aiding, and abetting the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from India. Their actions include inciting disaffection among the populace, encouraging the use of arms to achieve separatist goals, and promoting hatred against the government by advocating for the boycott of elections.
This ban follows the government’s recent extension of the ban on Jamaat-e-Islami, Jammu Kashmir (JeI), for another five years, citing ongoing activities posing a threat to national security.
In conclusion, the outlawing of these factions underscores the government’s resolute stance against entities that seek to undermine the unity, sovereignty, and integrity of the nation, particularly in sensitive regions like Jammu and Kashmir.
