Meerut: PFI member arrested for instigating violence during anti-CAA protests

The Uttar Pradesh police on Wednesday arrested a Popular Front of India (PFI) member, Anees Khalifa, from Lisari Gate area in Meerut. Khalifa is accused of violence during the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act protests in the state on December 20.

According to police, the accused had lost his brother in the 1987 communal riots and the December 20 protest gave him an opportunity to take revenge.

Anees Khalifa has been accused of firing at the police and providing arms to other protesters. There also was a reward of Rs 20,000 on him.

Earlier this month, the UP government sought a ban on PFI for its alleged involvement in the violence that broke out during protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (ACC) in the state.

According to the letter sent by Uttar Pradesh DGP Headquarter, members of PFI were involved in the violence that erupted in several parts of the state on December 20 in wake of anti-CAA protests.

At least 22 members of PFI were arrested for their alleged role in violent activities during protests.

Uttar Pradesh police claim that PFI has been active in different parts of India since 2010 and the members of this group have been involved in disrupting peace and harmony in the country.

During the protests, the PFI members were active in Shamli, Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Bijnor, Barabanki, Gonda, Bahraich, Varanasi, Azamgarh and Sitapur areas, said the UP Police.

The PFI describes itself as a neo-social movement committed to empowering people to ensure justice, freedom, and security.