Modi govt declares Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) unlawful under UAPA

'This organization and its members are involved in anti-national and secessionist activities in J&K supporting terrorist activities and inciting people to establish Islamic rule in J&K,' Union Home Minister Amit Shah said.

New Delhi: The Union government on Wednesday banned the Masarat Alam faction of the 'Muslim League Jammu Kashmir' (MLJK-MA) for its "anti-national and secessionist activities" in Jammu and Kashmir and for "supporting terrorist activities and inciting people to establish Islamic rule" in the valley.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a notification in the gazette, stating that there had been a number of inputs showing linkages of the MLJK-MA with banned terrorist organisations.

"This organisation and its members are involved in anti-national and secessionist activities in J&K supporting terrorist activities and inciting people to establish Islamic rule in J&K. The Modi government's message is loud and clear that anyone acting against the unity, sovereignty, and integrity of our nation will not be spared and face the full wrath of the law," Home Minister Amit Shah posted on 'X'.

In 2023, the MHA declared four organisations as 'terrorist organisations', six individuals as ‘terrorist’ and two organisations as ‘unlawful association’ under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

The members of MLJK-MA by inciting the people, want to establish Islamic rule in Jammu and Kashmir, which is prejudicial to the sovereignty, security and integrity of India. Many criminal cases have been registered against this organisation under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967, IPC 1860, The Arms Act 1959 and the Ranbir Penal Code 1932, the notification read.

The notification said the MLJK-MA headed by Masarat Alam Bhat is known for its "anti-India and pro-Pakistan propaganda" and its stated objectives are to attain "freedom to merge Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistan and establish Islamic rule in Jammu and Kashmir".

"The leaders and members of the MLJK-MA have been involved in raising funds through various sources including Pakistan and its proxy organisations for perpetrating unlawful activities, including supporting terrorist activities, sustained stone-pelting on security forces in Jammu and Kashmir," it said, adding that its members, by their activities, show "sheer disrespect" towards the country's constitutional set up.

It also said the MLJK-MA and its members have been involved in supporting terrorist activities with an intent to create a reign of terror in the country, thereby endangering the security and public order of the State, and its anti-national activities also show disrespect and disregard to the constitutional authority and sovereignty of the State.