The Ministry of Home Affairs issued notifications declaring both AAC and JKIM as unlawful associations under the Unlawful Activities Act of 1967. The MHA stated that members of these organisations have been involved in activities prejudicial to the integrity, sovereignty, and security of the nation, including supporting terrorist actions and disseminating anti-India propaganda to fuel secessionist sentiments in Jammu and Kashmir.
The AAC, established in 1964 by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq's father, has been a significant political and religious entity in Kashmir, advocating for the region's autonomy and representing a moderate faction within the Hurriyat Conference. The JKIM, led by Masroor Abbas Ansari, has also played a notable role in the region's socio-political landscape, particularly within the Shia community.
The government's decision to ban these organisations has elicited strong reactions from local political figures. Mirwaiz Umar Farooq condemned the ban, describing it as undemocratic and an infringement on religious and political freedoms. Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti also criticised the move, labelling it another blow to Kashmir's social and political landscape and calling for intervention from the Jammu and Kashmir administration.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah defended the ban, asserting that the organisations were found inciting people to cause law and order situations, posing a threat to the unity and integrity of the country. He emphasised that any entity involved in activities against the nation's peace, order, and sovereignty would face stringent action from the government.
The MHA's notifications highlighted that both AAC and JKIM have been involved in mobilising funds for unlawful activities, including supporting secessionist, separatist, and terrorist actions in Jammu and Kashmir. The government expressed concern that if these organisations are not immediately curbed, they will continue to advocate for the secession of Jammu and Kashmir while disputing its accession to the Union of India.
This development follows a series of measures taken by the government to clamp down on organisations and individuals perceived to be promoting anti-national activities in the region. The ban on AAC and JKIM adds to the list of entities that have faced similar actions under the UAPA in recent years.
The Unlawful Activities Act, enacted in 1967, provides the central government with the authority to declare associations as unlawful if they are found engaging in activities that threaten the sovereignty and integrity of India. The Act has been a pivotal tool in the government's strategy to combat terrorism and secessionist movements.
The impact of this ban on the political dynamics of Jammu and Kashmir remains to be seen. Both AAC and JKIM have been influential in the region's socio-political fabric, and their proscription may lead to shifts in the local political landscape. Observers are closely monitoring the situation to assess how these developments will affect the broader discourse on autonomy, governance, and peace in Jammu and Kashmir.
The government's decision has also sparked debates on the balance between national security and civil liberties. While authorities justify the ban as a necessary measure to uphold the nation's integrity and prevent the spread of terrorism, critics argue that such actions could suppress legitimate political dissent and exacerbate feelings of alienation among the local populace.