Centre Grants States Authority to Act Against Banned J&K-Based Groups Under UAPA

March 9 (WD) The Centre has granted authority to all states and Union Territories to take action against three banned Jammu and Kashmir-based groups under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

The groups in question are the Muslim Conference Jammu and Kashmir (Sumji faction), Muslim Conference Jammu and Kashmir (Bhat faction), and Jamaat-e-Islami, Jammu and Kashmir.

In notifications issued by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, it was stated that the powers under the UAPA would now be exercised by state governments and Union Territory administrations in relation to these unlawful associations.

The ban on Jamaat-e-Islami, Jammu and Kashmir, was extended for five years on February 27 due to its activities against the security, integrity, and sovereignty of the nation.

Subsequently, the Muslim Conference Jammu and Kashmir (Sumji faction) and the Muslim Conference Jammu and Kashmir (Bhat faction) were also declared as banned groups for their anti-India and pro-Pakistan propaganda. The home ministry has urged people to refrain from participating in elections as well.