J&K: Modi Government Bans J&K Democratic Freedom Party Over Anti-India Activities Under UAPA

On Thursday (5 October), the Central government took a significant step by imposing a five-year ban on the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (JKDFP) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

This action comes in response to the party's involvement in anti-India and pro-Pakistan activities, as confirmed by an official notification from the Home Ministry, and reported by Indian Express.

Founded in 1998 by Shabir Ahmad Shah, a prominent separatist leader in Jammu and Kashmir, the JKDFP was a constituent of the separatist amalgam Hurriyat Conference.

Speaking on the matter, Praveen Vashista, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Home Affairs, highlighted that “Whereas, the JKDPF was formed in 1998 by Shabir Ahmad Shah, a prominent separatist known for his anti-India and pro-Pakistan propaganda… And whereas, the founder of the JKDFP had called Kashmir a ‘dispute’ and ruled out any settlement within the framework of the Constitution of India.”

The government firmly believes that if immediate measures are not taken to curb the unlawful activities of this party, it will exploit this opportunity to persist in its anti-national actions.

These actions include advocating for the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from the Union of India, challenging its integration into the Union, and intensifying insurrection activities with the aim of establishing an Islamic state within the territory of the Union of India, thereby destabilising the legitimate government.