Srinagar: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has declared the Awami Action Committee (AAC), led by Umar Farooq, as an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, for a period of five years.
As per a notification issued by the MHA, a copy of which lies with news agency JKNS, the government stated that AAC has been indulging in unlawful activities that are prejudicial to the integrity, sovereignty, and security of India. It further alleged that AAC members have supported terrorist activities, engaged in anti-India propaganda, and mobilized funds for separatist and unlawful activities in Jammu and Kashmir.
The notification cited multiple criminal cases against AAC members, including a charge sheet filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) in 2018 and several FIRs registered in Nowhatta, Safakadal, and Kothi Bagh police stations for speeches, stone-pelting, and other activities against the Government of India. The government maintained that AAC and its leaders have repeatedly attempted to destabilize law and order, incite violence, and advocate for the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from India.
Invoking Section 3(1) of the UAPA, the Central Government declared AAC as an unlawful association with immediate effect. The notification specifies that this decision will remain in force for five years, subject to any order under Section 4 of the UAPA.
Awami Action Committee is headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who had taken over as chairman of J&K Awami Action Committee (J&KAAC) and become the head priest of Kashmir after the assassination of his father Mirwaiz Farooq, called a meeting of religious, social and political organisations. (JKNS)
