Government Forms Tribunal to Review Ban Proposal for Tehreek-e-Hurriyat in J&K

The Centre has set up a tribunal, led by a judge from the Delhi High Court, to assess whether there are sufficient grounds to declare the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat (TeH), a pro-Pakistan separatist group based in Jammu and Kashmir, as an unlawful association. The tribunal was constituted on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

Background

The government had previously banned the TeH for five years on December 31, 2023, citing its involvement in terrorism and anti-India propaganda. The TeH was founded by late separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, who died in September 2021. The group was later headed by Masarat Alam Bhat, who is currently in jail. The TeH aims to separate Jammu and Kashmir from India and establish Islamic rule in the region.

Reasons for the ban

According to the Union home ministry, the TeH and its members have been raising funds from various sources, including Pakistan and its proxy organizations, to support unlawful activities such as terrorism and sustained stone-pelting against security forces in Jammu and Kashmir. The ministry also stated that the TeH pays tribute to slain terrorists and actively supports terrorist activities, aiming to create fear and instability within the country, thereby endangering public order and security. The ministry emphasized that the TeH and its members display a blatant disregard for the constitutional authority and framework of the country. Additionally, it highlighted that the group engages in unlawful activities that undermine the integrity, sovereignty, security, and communal harmony of the nation.

Tribunal’s role

The tribunal, consisting of Justice Sachin Datta of the Delhi High Court, will adjudicate whether or not there is sufficient cause for declaring the TeH as an unlawful association. The tribunal will have to give its verdict within six months from the date of its constitution. The tribunal will also have the power to prohibit the use of funds and notify places used for the purpose of the TeH under sections 7 and 8 of the UAPA.

Other banned groups

The Centre has also banned another pro-Pakistan separatist group, the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction), headed by Masarat Alam Bhat, on December 27, 2023. The group was also involved in anti-national and secessionist activities in Jammu and Kashmir. The Centre has directed the Jammu and Kashmir administration to seize all assets and freeze bank accounts and finances belonging to both the banned groups.