The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a ban on the Masarat Alam faction of the Jammu and Kashmir Muslim League (MLJK-MA) under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Intended to last for five years, this ban aims to curb what has been termed “secessionist activities.”
The MHA has alleged the MLJK-MA – along with its members – are actively involved in “anti-national and secessionist activities” in the Jammu and Kashmir region. The group has also been accused of supporting terrorist activities and promoting efforts to establish Islamic rule within Jammu and Kashmir.
This development occurs within a context of ongoing tension in Jammu and Kashmir, following the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution in 2019—an act that was recently upheld by the Supreme Court of India. This revocation, which nullified Jammu and Kashmir’s special status within the Indian Union, has lead to protests and increased calls for independence from certain parts of the Kashmiri community.
Masarat Alam, former president of the MLJK-MA and renowned separatist leader in Jammu and Kashmir, is known for his anti-India and pro-Pakistan stance. He has a well-documented history of arrests and imprisonments related to his political activities. Following the death of Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Alam assumed the chairmanship of the hardline faction of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference in September 2021.
As of yet, the group has not issued any public comment regarding its recent ban.