The Government of India declared the Muslim radical organisation, Popular Front of India (PFI) and its associates, affiliates or fronts as unlawful associations under Section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. A ban of five years has been imposed on PFI and its eight associate fronts.
This move came in after various raids and arrests of over 100 PFI leaders and functionaries for alleged terror links. The raids and arrests happened for over two days. The Ministry of Home Affairs released an official statement regarding the ban. In the statement, it was said that there had been instances of international linkages between PFI and global terrorist groups like the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).
The eight other banned associates, affiliates or fronts are Rehab India Foundation (RAF), Campus Front of India (CFI), All India Imams Council (AIIC), National Confederation of Human Rights Council (NCHRO), National Women’s Front, Junior Front, Empower India Foundation and Rehab Foundation, Kerala.
The statement also pointed out that the various state governments including the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Karnataka recommended the ban of PFI and its affiliate fronts. It was stated that the raids at PFI leaders’ residences provided evidence of their connection with international terrorist groups.