On Tuesday, The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) announced that the Jammu and Kashmir-based Awami Action Committee (AAC) has been declared an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967. As a result, the organisation was banned for five years.

The decision was based on allegations that the AAC has been involved in activities threatening India’s sovereignty, integrity and security. As per an official notification, the group, led by Umar Farooq, has been accused of supporting terrorist activities and spreading anti-India propaganda to promote separatism in Jammu and Kashmir. The ministry also stated that the AAC has been raising funds to aid secessionists and separatists and to carry out terrorist operations in the region.

The government has accused the AAC of openly defying India’s constitutional authority by fuelling unrest, supporting armed insurgency, and inciting hatred against the government. In its notification, the government referenced several cases filed against AAC leaders, which include Umar Farooq and others, for making anti-national speeches, provoking violence, and participating in stone-pelting incidents.

The reference also included a 2018 charge sheet filed by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) against AAC spokesperson Aftab Ahmad Shah and 11 others, accusing them of conspiring against the state. Additionally, multiple police cases dating back to 2008 were cited, involving allegations of provocative speeches, calls to boycott elections, and attempts to incite public unrest.

The government has cautioned that if AAC's activities are not controlled, the group may continue spreading separatist propaganda, inciting violence, and supporting militancy in the region. The official notification highlighted that such actions pose a significant national security and public order risk.

Using its authority under Section 3(1) of the UAPA, 1967, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has officially designated AAC as an unlawful organisation. Unless legally revoked, this ban will remain in effect for five years from its publication in the Official Gazette.