Tribunal Upholds Ban on Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front
Extension of Ban by Union Home Ministry
The Tribunal under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) has confirmed the Union Home Ministry’s decision to extend the ban on the Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) for another five years. This decision was made on March 15, 2024, and involves the JKLF led by Yasin Malik, who is currently imprisoned on terror charges.
Tribunal’s Findings
Justice Neena Bansal Krishna of the Delhi High Court, who chaired the UAPA tribunal, stated that associations promoting secessionism are not tolerated. Despite Yasin Malik’s claims of adopting a peaceful approach since 1994, the tribunal noted his continued engagement with violent means and associations with known terrorists.
Investigations and Evidence
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the Enforcement Directorate found that Yasin Malik was involved in using illegally obtained funds for violent activities in Jammu & Kashmir. Witnesses testified about JKLF-Y’s role in organizing violent protests and mobilizing funds for secessionist aims.
Yasin Malik’s Defense
During the tribunal hearing, Yasin Malik, serving a life sentence for terror financing, claimed he had renounced armed struggle for a Gandhian approach. He submitted an affidavit expressing his belief in peaceful resistance and engagement with government officials for dialogue. However, the tribunal found his explanations insufficient and largely irrelevant.
Conclusion
Malik argued that since the JKLF-Y’s ban in 2019, no unlawful activities have occurred to justify the ban’s extension. He addressed allegations of visiting terrorist camps and receiving illegal funds, but the tribunal upheld the ban.
Doubts Revealed
Tribunal -: A tribunal is a special court or group of people that makes decisions on certain legal matters. In this case, it is deciding on the ban of an organization.
Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act -: This is a law in India that helps the government prevent and deal with activities that are illegal and can harm the country’s security. It allows the government to ban organizations involved in such activities.
Union Home Ministry -: The Union Home Ministry is a part of the Indian government responsible for maintaining internal security and domestic policy. It makes decisions on matters like banning organizations that threaten peace.
Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) -: The JKLF is a group that was formed with the aim of making Jammu and Kashmir an independent region. It has been involved in activities that the Indian government considers illegal and harmful.
Yasin Malik -: Yasin Malik is a leader of the JKLF. He has been accused and imprisoned for being involved in violent activities and terrorism-related charges.
Imprisoned -: Imprisoned means being put in jail or prison as a punishment for committing a crime. Yasin Malik is in prison because of his involvement in illegal activities.
Terror charges -: Terror charges are serious accusations made against someone for being involved in activities that cause fear and harm to people, often related to terrorism.
Illegal funding -: Illegal funding refers to getting money in ways that are not allowed by law, often to support activities that are harmful or against the rules.