India bans 2 Kashmiri political parties, citing security concerns

By Nusrat Sidiq

SRINAGAR, Jammu and Kashmir (AA) - The Indian government on Tuesday imposed a five-year ban on two local political parties in Indian-administered Kashmir, declaring them “unlawful associations” for allegedly engaging in activities that threaten India’s sovereignty, integrity, and security.

According to a notification issued by the Indian Home Ministry, the Awami Action Committee (AAC), led by Kashmiri leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, and the Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM), headed by Masroor Abbas Ansari, were accused of supporting terrorism, spreading anti-India narratives, and raising funds for secessionist movements in the region.

Farooq, chairman of the separatist All Parties Hurriyat Conference, is also the head cleric of Srinagar's Jamia Masjid, Kashmir’s largest and most influential mosque, where he delivers sermons.

Ansari, a senior Hurriyat Conference leader, is also a prominent Shia cleric in Kashmir.

The notification stated: “If the activities of these groups are not curbed, they will disrupt public order, continue to support terrorist activities, and fuel separatism in the region.”

The Indian government invoked Section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, to enforce the five-year ban.

Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti criticized the decision, calling it another blow to Kashmir’s social and political landscape.

She warned that suppressing dissent would only escalate tensions rather than resolve them, urging the local government to intervene.

“Democracy is about more than elections – it’s about protecting citizens’ fundamental rights. While silencing Kashmir’s voices may serve BJP’s political agenda, it undermines the very Constitution that safeguards these rights. The Indian government must reassess its approach and move away from heavy-handed tactics,” she said.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, head of the Awami Action Committee, condemned the move, stating that his party was established in 1964 to represent the aspirations and rights of Kashmiris through peaceful and democratic means.

He said AAC members had endured imprisonment, persecution, and even martyrdom.

“This move seems part of the continuation of the policy of intimidation and disempowerment that has been in place in J&K since August 2019. The voice of truth may be suppressed through force but will not be silenced,” he said.

Since 2019, the Indian government has banned more than six local political and social groups in the region, citing threats to national sovereignty.

Political analysts in Kashmir have described these bans as a violation of fundamental and constitutional rights enshrined in the Indian Constitution.