Centre bans Yasin Malik-led Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) under anti-terror law on Friday. Take a look at why the government declared the organisation as an unlawful association.
Centre banned the Yasin Malik-led Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) under anti-terror law on Friday, officials said. JKLF chief Yasin Malik is under arrest and has been taken into detention in Jammu's Kot Balwal jail.
Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba in a press conference stated, "Central govt has today declared Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (Yasin Malik faction) as unlawful association under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. This is in accordance with the policy of zero tolerance against terrorism followed by govt." "Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front led by Yasin Malik has spearheaded the separatist ideology in the valley and it has been at the forefront of separatist activities & violence since 1988," he added.
Gauba also said that a large number of secessionist leaders were being provided security by the state, this matter has been reviewed. And after review, security of many such persons has been withdrawn and this process of review will continue further.
Explaining steps taken by the Centre in J&K he said, "The Government has re-vitalized grass-root democracy in J&K by conducting elections peacefully for the first time in 2018 for Urban Local bodies after 2005 and for Panchayats after 2011. There was active participation of the people in these elections and the overall polling percentage was 74%. More than 3,652 Sarpanches and 23,629 Panches were elected in these elections. Panchayats have been empowered and made more accountable towards the public. Direct elections were held for Sarpanches. Financial powers of Panchayats have been increased 10 times. About 20 Departments have been brought under Panchayati Raj. Government is committed for the integrated and coordinated development of all the three regions of the State, Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh."
Here is why Centre banned Yasin Malik's JKLF under UAPA:
1. 'JKLF driving force of separatist ideology in Kashmir'
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The Home secretary said that, "Jammu & Kashmir Liberation Front led by Md. Yasin Malik has spearheaded the separatist ideology in the valley and has been at the forefront of separatist activities and violence since 1988. Murders of Kashmiri Pandits by JKLF in 1989 triggered their exodus from the valley. Md. Yasin Malik was the mastermind behind the purging of Kashmiri Pandits from the Kashmir valley and is responsible for their genocide".
Photo Credits: PTI
2. 'Serious allegations against outfit'
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Further describing the organisation's activity, Gauba said, "JKLF has many serious cases registered against it. This organization is responsible for the murder of 4 Indian Air Force personnel and kidnapping of Dr. Rubaiya Sayeed (daughter of the then Home Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed during Shri VP Singh’s Government). This organization, alongside, is also responsible for illegal funneling of funds for terrorism. JKLF is actively involved in raising of funds and its distribution to Hurriyat cadres and stone-pelters to fuel unrest in the Kashmir valley as well as for subversive activities. "
Photo Credits: DNA
3. 'Promotes terror, secessionism'
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Gauba also mentioned that, "37 FIRs have been registered by J&K Police against JKLF. Two cases including the case of the murder of IAF personnel were registered by CBI. NIA has also registered a case, which is under investigation. It is evident from these that JKLF continues to be actively engaged in supporting and inciting secessionism and terrorism including terror financing."
Photo Credits: DNA
4. 'Centre cracks whip on terror'
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Highlighting Centre's position, Union Home Secy said, "Government is committed to relentlessly pursuing the policy of curbing the activities of secessionist organizations which are a threat to unity and integrity of the country. NIA and Enforcement Directorate are taking strong action against these organizations."
Photo Credits: DNA
5. Separatists separated from security: 'On the payrolls of Pakistan and ISI'
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A large number of secessionist leaders were being provided security by the State. The government, after review, has withdrawn the security of many such persons. This process will continue further. The decision came after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said the security of those people "who are on the payrolls of Pakistan and ISI" will be reviewed, and amid a massive outrage across the country over the February 14 terror strike.
Photo Credits: DNA
