New Delhi:

The government on Tuesday imposed a five-year ban on hardline Hurriyat Congress member Jammu Kashmir National Front (JKNF) under strict anti-terrorism laws for sowing seeds of discontent among the people and engaging in activities detrimental to the development of the country. security and sovereignty.

The Home Ministry, in an order, declared Naeem Ahmed Khan-led JKNF an “unlawful organization” with immediate effect under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The order is valid for five years.

Khan was one of the first separatist leaders to be arrested by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in a terrorist financing case. He was arrested on July 24, 2017 and is currently in judicial custody.

After the government took action against JKNF, Home Minister Amit Shah posted on “It supports terrorism and challenges the sovereignty, security and integrity of the country.” He added: “We are committed to eradicating the forces of terror to ensure the safety of the people of Bharat.” “

In the order, the government said the JKNF was engaged in illegal activities that were prejudicial to the integrity, sovereignty and security of the country.

JKNF members remain involved in supporting terror activities and anti-India propaganda, promoting separatism in Jammu and Kashmir and providing logistical support to terrorists within the alliance, the report said.

The report also stated that JKNF members “are involved in mobilizing violent protesters across Kashmir to carry out illegal activities, including supporting terrorist activities and continuing to throw stones at security forces.” While banning the organization for five years, the government said that if this step is not taken immediately, the JKNF will continue to carry out anti-national activities that endanger the territorial integrity, security and sovereignty of the country.

The organization is keen on advocating the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from the Indian Union and spreading false statements and anti-national sentiments among the people of Jammu and Kashmir with the intention of causing dissatisfaction with India and disrupting public order.

The government said the JKNF’s constant requests to the people of Kashmir not to participate in the elections were targeting and hampering the fundamental principles of Indian democracy recognized in the constitution.

The statement said that the JKNF and its members “showed complete disrespect for the constitutional authority and constitutional institutions of the country” and promoted, aided and abetted the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from India through anti-national and subversive activities.

The group “sows seeds of discontent among the people”, incites people to disrupt law and order, encourages terrorism, incites hatred against the existing government and has repeatedly called for a boycott of elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)