Popular Front of India banned for five years

Action under UAPA since PFI had links with Jihadi terrorist organisations

New Delhi – The Union Government banned the Popular Front of India (PFI), a Jihadi-minded terrorist organisation, for five years under the UAPA (Unlawful Activities [Prevention] Act). Along with PFI, its eight affiliates and associates, were banned by the Government. These are – Rehab India Foundation (RIF), Campus Front of India (CFI), All India Imams Council (AIIC), National Confederation of Human Rights Organisation (NCHRO), National Women’s Front, Junior Front, Empower India Foundation and Rehab Foundation, Kerala. The Government issued a notification on 28th September in this regard.

If evidence of anti-national or terrorist activities is found against any individual, organisation or any other entity, the Union Government can impose sanctions under the UAPA on that individual, organisation or entity.

On 22nd and 27th of September, the National Investigating Agency (NIA) and Enforcement Directorate (ED), along with the State Police raided the PFI and its affiliate organisations. In the first raid, 106 PFI activists were arrested and 250 PFI activists were arrested during the second raid. Sufficient evidence was found against the PFI from these raids. After this, the decision to ban PFI and associate organisations was taken.

PFI connections with Jihadi terrorist organisations

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has informed that some members who established the PFI are also members of the Jihadi terrorist organisation ‘Students Islamic Movement of India’ (SIMI). It has also come to light that this organisation has links with the terrorist organisation ‘Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh’ (JMB). Both are banned terrorist organisations.

Editorial Viewpoint

  • On 29th September 2016, Prime Minister Modi conducted a ‘surgical strike’ against terrorism outside the country. Now, the Government has banned the PFI by conducting a ‘surgical strike’ against internal terrorism !
  • This ban is a slap for the Jihadis who dream of converting India into ‘Ghazwa-e-Hind’ !