Invoking UAPA against IRF would be gross misuse of 'draconian' act: Zakir Naik's foundation

MUMBAI: Taking note of certain media reports citing the Law ministry's suggestion to ban it under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Zakir Naik's Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) on Monday said if the government registers a case against IRF under the UAPA, it will be gross misuse of the act. "This is truly shocking. There is no evidence to show that Naik ever promoted terrorism or indulged in any unlawful activity. If the govt registers a case under the UAPA, it will be gross misuse of the draconian act," the foundation said in a statement. "UAPA is a draconian act and for it to be used against IRF when no evidence - much less legally admissible evidence - exists, is totally shocking. Naik or IRF have not committed any terrorist act or abetted any terrorist activity," the statement said. The foundation said that there is also no material evidence to show that Naik or IRF ever indulged in any unlawful activity. "Naik has been honoured by several countries and governments with three of the most prestigious awards of the Islamic World including others. Never before has such a renowned Muslim been accused of promoting terrorism anywhere in the world. If the Indian government applied UAPA on Naik it will appear that the government is also accusing all these Muslim countries for promoting a 'terrorist'," it said. The government last week had said that no links between terrorist groups and the foundation headed by controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik have come to its notice yet, but reports indicate that some known terrorists were inspired by his speeches.