New Delhi - On Thursday, the Central government took action to prohibit the Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (JKDFP), officially designating it as an 'unlawful association' under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The party led by incarcerated separatist leader Shabir Ahmad Shah has been subjected to a five-year ban due to its perceived "anti-India" activities.

The government's decision to impose this ban is rooted in the organization's alleged involvement in activities deemed detrimental to national interests dating back to 1998. It is asserted that the group's members consistently advocated for acts of terrorism under the guise of separatism. The government further contends that JKDFP members aim to establish an independent Islamic state in Kashmir and, in pursuit of this objective, incite violence among the Kashmiri populace, thereby posing a threat to India's sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity.

The official release elucidated that the JKDFP has faced multiple criminal cases registered against it, citing legal provisions such as the UAPA 1967, the IPC 1860, the Arms Act 1959, and the Ranbir Penal Code 1932.

Simultaneously, the Central government also imposed a five-year ban under the UAPA on the National Liberation Front of Tripura and the All Tripura Tiger Force, including all their factions and affiliated groups.