India Bans Two Islamic Organizations in Jammu and Kashmir Under Anti-Terror Law

The Indian government has imposed a five-year ban on two Islamic organizations based in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK)—the Awami Action Committee (AAC) and Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM)—under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967.

According to an official notification issued by India’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), the decision to outlaw the two groups was based on allegations that their members were involved in promoting terrorism and engaging in anti-India propaganda.

✔ Awami Action Committee (AAC): The group is led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a prominent Kashmiri leader and religious scholar.
✔ Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM): Headed by Masroor Abbas Ansari, another key religious and political figure in the region.

The MHA’s statement claims that both organizations have been involved in activities that pose a threat to India’s national security, justifying their proscription under anti-terror laws.

This move comes amid increasing restrictions on political, religious, and human rights groups in IIOJK, as New Delhi intensifies its efforts to suppress pro-independence voices and resistance movements in the region.

Several Kashmiri leaders and organizations have condemned the ban, calling it an attempt to silence democratic and religious groups advocating for the rights of Kashmiris.