SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (JKDFP), led by separatist figure Shabir Ahmad Shah, has been deemed an ‘unlawful association’ under the anti-terror Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) by a tribunal, affirming the Union government’s stance.
The tribunal’s decision stems from evidence presented by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) suggesting Shah’s involvement in fomenting unrest, including receiving funds from Pakistan to support protests following the death of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani.
The chargesheet filed by the NIA in 2019 detailed that rupees 1.1 crore was sent from Pakistan to Shah for distribution among those involved in attacking security forces during the protests, resulting in the deaths of over 70 civilians.
Shah has been incarcerated since July 2017 after being arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in a case dating back to 2007.
The tribunal’s order highlighted 40 cases registered against Shah, with various law enforcement agencies, including the NIA, ED, and Delhi Police, investigating his alleged activities.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) cited instances where the JKDFP purportedly advocated for boycotting elections and promoting secessionism, further solidifying the decision to declare it unlawful.
The tribunal emphasized that the JKDFP’s actions have had a detrimental impact on the region’s law and order for decades and stressed the importance of upholding India’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
Despite opportunities given, neither the outfit nor any interested party provided a response or sought to depose before the tribunal.
