According to the news agency PTI, the government of India has placed a ban on the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), a separatist organisation run by Yasin Malik. The ban on JKLF has been a demand for over decades considering it promotes secessionist activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba: 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. https://t.co/fHVpvQbbG5
— ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2019
JKLF’s chief, Yasin Malik is already booked under Public Safety Act and has been arrested and lodged at the Jammu’s Kot Balwal jail. The organisation has been banned under various provisions of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). This is the second organisation after Jamaat-e-Islami which has been banned by the Centre under the anti-terror law.
Speaking about the action taken by the government against the secessionists and terror sympathisers, Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba said that 37 FIRs have been registered by J&K police against JKLF. He also said that two cases including the murder of an IAF personnel have also been registered against the JKLF.
Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba: 37 FIRs have been registered by Jammu and Kashmir Police against JKLF. Two cases including the case of murder IAF personnel were registered by CBI. National Investigation Agency (NIA) has also registered a case which is under investigation. https://t.co/fHVpvQsN4F
— ANI (@ANI) March 22, 2019
It is pertinent to note that JKLF was first banned under UAPA in 1992 for 2 years and its ban was extended for another 2 years in 1994. However, it appears that no restraining action was taken after its ban expired in 1996. JKLF, founded in 1987, played a vital role in fuelling Kashmir terrorism until the Indian security forces’ counter-terrorism operation neutralised most of its cadres.
