UAPA Tribunal Backs Govt's Decision, Upholds Ban On Yasin Malik's JKLF

Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal has said that there is "sufficient credible material and grounds" to declare Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, a faction headed by Yasin Malik, as an "unlawful association". The Ministry of Home Affairs in a notification on Wednesday said that the Court has upheld the ban imposed on JKLF. The outfit was banned a day after a CRPF convoy was attacked in Pulwama in February in which 40 jawans were killed.

The Centre said it is of the opinion that the JKLF is “in close touch with militant outfits” and alleged it of supporting extremism and militancy in Jammu and Kashmir and elsewhere.It added that the JKLF claims “secession of a part of the Indian territory from the union” and supports terrorist and separatist groups fighting for this purpose. 

The tribunal observed that there are evidences including the FIRs coupled with corroborative intelligence inputs which justified the action taken by the government. 

Also Read: Yasin Malik To Face Trial In 29-Year-Old IAF Personnel Killing Case, Summons Issued

It also rebutted the contentions put forth by the faction that the exercise of banning JKLF is "vindictive in character or unconstitutional". 

"There are statements attributed to Yasin Malik which are separatists in character and support extremism and militancy in Jammu and Kashmir. Such statements have the potential of instigating sentiments which ultimately become prejudicial to the territorial integrity and security of the country," the Tribunal added.

Also Read: Yasin Malik's Cardiologist Upendra Kaul Summoned By NIA In 'Mistaken SMS' Case

However, a special court will hold trial on October 1 in a case registered against Malik for killing 4 IAF personnel on the outskirts of Srinagar city on January 25, 1990. Summons have been issued against Yasin Malik and three others in the case. Malik is currently in Tihar jail in connection with terror funding case and his outfit was recently banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.