Centre Declares Popular Front Of India An 'Unlawful Association' After Nationwide Raids

While imposing a ban on PFI, the government cited its association with SIMI and its linkage with Jamat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh and global terrorist groups like the IS.

NIA raids PFI over terror funding in Navi Mumbai

Source : PTI

After multiple raids by various central and state agencies on the Popular Front of India (PFI) across the country, the Centre on Tuesday declared the organisation and its associates or affiliates or fronts as an "unlawful association". As per the official notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the outfit and its associates or affiliates or fronts have been banned for a period of 5 years.

"PFI and its associates or affiliates or fronts operate openly as a socio-economic, educational and political organization but, they have been pursuing a secret agenda to radicalize a particular section of the society working towards undermining the concept of democracy and show sheer disrespect towards the constitutional authority and constitutional set up of the country," the notification released by the government read.

While imposing the ban on PFI, the government cited its association with the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and its linkage with Jamat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), both of which are proscribed organisations.

The notification also said that the PFI and its associates or affiliates or fronts have been indulging in unlawful activities, which are "prejudicial to the integrity, sovereignty and security of the country" and have the potential to disturb public peace and communal harmony of the country and support militancy.

Rehab India Foundation (RIF), Campus Front of India(CFI), All India Imams Council (AIIC), National Confederation of Human Rights Org (NCHRO), National Women’s Front, Jr Front, Empower India Foundation & Rehab Foundation, Kerala are some of the other organisations banned by the government.

The notification also said that there have been instances of the organisation working covertly to increase the radicalisation of one community by promoting a sense of insecurity in the country, which is substantiated by the fact that some PFI cadres have joined global terrorist groups like the Islamic State.

Read The Official Notification Here...