"Policy of intimidation...": Mirwaiz Umar Farooq questions Centre's ban on Awami Action Committee

Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], March 11 (ANI): Kashmir's influential cleric, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, has questioned the Centre's ban on the Awami Action Committee(AAC) for five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. He headed the AAC.
"Strongly condemn the ban on Awami Action Committee and declaring it an 'Unlawful Association,' Farooq, who is also the chairman of the separatist amalgam All Parties Hurriyat Conference, said in a post on X.
Farooq claimed that the AAC was advocating the aspirations and rights of the people in Kashmir through "completely non-violent and democratic methods."
"It has unwaveringly stood by the people of J&K advocating their aspirations and rights through completely nonviolent and democratic methods and calling for peaceful resolution of the Kashmir conflict through dialogue and deliberation, for which it's members suffered jails and incarceration and even martyrdom," Farooq said.
"This move seems part of the continuation of the policy of intimidation and disempowerment that is being followed viz a viz J&K since August 2019. The voice of truth may be suppressed through force but will not be silenced," he added.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday declared the Jammu and Kashmir-based AAC an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, imposing an immediate ban for the next five years and accusing the organization of engaging in activities that threaten the country's sovereignty, integrity, and security.
As per an official notification, the AAC has been involved in supporting terrorist activities and spreading anti-India propaganda to fuel separatism in Jammu and Kashmir.
The ministry stated that the group has been mobilizing funds to support secessionist, separatist, and terrorist operations in the region. Additionally, it accused the AAC of showing blatant disregard for India's constitutional authority by promoting unrest, encouraging armed insurgency, and spreading hatred against the government.
The notification cited multiple cases registered against AAC leaders, including Umar Farooq and other members, for their alleged involvement in anti-national speeches, incitement of violence, and stone-pelting incidents.
It referenced a charge sheet filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2018 against AAC spokesperson Aftab Ahmad Shah and 11 others for conspiracy against the state. Several police cases dating back to 2008 were also listed, accusing AAC members of delivering inflammatory speeches, calling for election boycotts, and instigating public disorder.
The government warned that failure to curb AAC's activities could lead to continued anti-national actions, including spreading separatist propaganda, inciting violence, and supporting militancy. The notification emphasized that the group's activities are detrimental to national security and public order.
Exercising its powers under Section 3(1) of the UAPA, 1967, the government officially declared AAC an unlawful organization. The ban will remain in effect for five years from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette unless overturned by legal intervention.
This move follows a series of actions taken against organizations accused of promoting separatism and terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. The government continues to enforce strict measures under UAPA to curb activities perceived as threats to national security. (ANI)