Tribunal Upholds Five-Year Ban on Kashmir Separatist Groups

A tribunal confirmed a five-year ban on the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) and Tehreek-e-Hurriyat under the UAPA for secessionist activities. The groups were accused of acting on behalf of Pakistan-based terrorist organizations to support militant operations in the region.

In a groundbreaking decision, a tribunal established under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) has validated the government’s move to impose a five-year ban on the Masarat Alam faction of the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir and the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat.

The tribunal, under Delhi High Court judge Sachin Datta, confirmed the organisations' direct involvement in secessionist activities supported by Pakistan-based terrorist factions like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen. According to the tribunal, these activities undermine the sovereignty and integrity of India, and aim to merge Jammu and Kashmir with Pakistan and impose Islamic rule.

Representing the government, Additional Solicitor General Aishwarya Bhati and advocate Rajat Nair provided compelling evidence of the organizations’ unlawful activities. The Union Home Ministry earlier cited substantial issues of terrorism, funding terrorism through Pakistan, and instigating stone-pelting on security forces as reasons for the ban. Masarat Alam Bhat, known for his anti-India stance, currently remains imprisoned.