New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry, led by Home Minister Amit Shah, declared the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir Masarat Alam faction (MLJK-MA) as an ‘unlawful association’ under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA). The move comes as the government alleges the organization and its members are involved in anti-national and secessionist activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
In a statement, Home Minister Amit Shah stated, “The ‘Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction)’/MLJK-MA is declared as an ‘Unlawful Association’ under UAPA. This organization and its members are involved in anti-national and secessionist activities in J&K, supporting terrorist activities, and inciting people to establish Islamic rule in J&K.”
The action underscores the government’s commitment to curbing activities perceived as a threat to the unity, sovereignty, and integrity of the nation.
Masarat Alam, the leader of MLJK-MA, played a significant role in organizing anti-India protests in the Valley in 2010. Arrested under the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act (PSA), he was released in 2015, leading to tensions within the PDP and BJP coalition.
Masarat Alam, currently in jail for almost 13 years, succeeded the late Syed Ali Shah Geelani as the Hurriyat Conference chairman. The UAPA declaration imposes stringent measures on MLJK-MA, including a ban on its activities, property confiscation, and criminal penalties for its members.
