The Indian government has officially designated 'Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, Jammu and Kashmir (TeH)' as an 'Unlawful Association' under Section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967. Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, a separatist organization founded by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, was established on August 7, 2004, subsequent to Geelani's departure from his former party, Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmir.

As per a notification from the home ministry, Tehreek-e-Hurriyat's objective is to separate Jammu and Kashmir from India, establish Islamic rule, and its leaders have been involved in raising funds from various sources, including Pakistan. The ministry states that TeH and its proxies engage in unlawful activities, including supporting terrorism and sustained stone-pelting on Security Forces in Jammu and Kashmir.

The statement underscores that Tehreek-e-Hurriyat and its members display a clear disrespect for the country's constitutional authority. The ministry highlights their tributes to slain terrorists and active involvement in supporting terrorism, posing a threat to the state's security and public order.

"The TeH, along with its leaders and members, has been engaging in activities deemed unlawful, posing threats to the integrity, sovereignty, security, and communal harmony of the country," states the ministry. Additionally, it notes, "The TeH leadership, not subscribing to a democratic system of governance, consistently issued calls to boycott assembly elections on multiple occasions."

In response to the ongoing unlawful activities of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, Jammu and Kashmir, the Central Government expressed concern that without immediate intervention, the group may persist in advocating the secession of Jammu and Kashmir, engaging in anti-national activities, and promoting false narratives and sentiments.

Consequently, the Union government has opted to designate 'Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, Jammu and Kashmir (TeH)' as an 'Unlawful Association' under Section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967, with the order remaining effective for five years.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Amit Shah, stated in a post on 'X', "The outfit is involved in prohibited activities aimed at separating J&K from India and establishing Islamic rule. The group is actively spreading anti-India propaganda and perpetuating terror activities to fuel secessionism in J&K."

The Home Minister emphasized that under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji's zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, immediate action will be taken against any individual or organization found involved in anti-India activities.

The stated objective of Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, Jammu & Kashmir (TeH), is to achieve the separation of Jammu and Kashmir from India and establish Islamic rule in the region. The organization has been actively involved in promoting terrorism and disseminating anti-India propaganda to fuel secessionist sentiments in Jammu and Kashmir.

These activities are viewed as prejudicial to the sovereignty, security, and integrity of India. Numerous criminal cases, filed under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Arms Act, RPC, and IPC, have been registered against this organization.

Image source: India Today