The Centre on Sunday declared pro-Pakistan separatist amalgam Tehreek-e-Hurriyat (TeH) Jammu and Kashmir a banned organisation for fomenting terrorism and spreading anti-India propaganda in the Union territory.
Announcing the decision, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the group was found spreading anti-India propaganda and continuing terror activities to fuel secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's zero-tolerance policy against terrorism, any individual or organisation found involved in anti-India activities would be thwarted.
"The 'Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, J&K (TeH) has been declared an 'Unlawful Association' under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The outfit is involved in forbidden activities to separate J&K from India and establish Islamic rule," Shah wrote on 'X'.
The pro-Pakistan group was earlier headed by deceased separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani, who was succeeded by Masarat Alam Bhat. Bhat is also known for his anti-India and pro-Pakistan propaganda.
Bhat is currently in jail and his party the Muslim League of Jammu Kashmir was declared a banned organisation on December 27.
What is Tehreek-e-Hurriyat?
Tehreek-e-Hurriyat Jammu and Kashmir, translated as the "Movement for Freedom Jammu and Kashmir," is a separatist political party founded by Syed Ali Shah Geelani in Jammu and Kashmir.
Geelani maintained his commitment to his goals until his death and passed away in police custody on May 5, 2021. He is known to be the most prominent face of separatism in Kashmir.
According to the Tehreek-e-Hurriyat, Jammu and Kashmir is a disputed territory, challenging the justification of India's control. Tehreek-e-Hurriyat supports the claim that Kashmir represents the 'unfinished agenda of Partition' and needs to be solved ‘as per the aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir’.
