The Big Ban

Subhashis Mittra

A Delhi High Court tribunal has put to rest speculation that the ban imposed on the Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI), Jammu & Kashmir under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967, might be lifted by the government. The speculation arose as members of the group, which was banned for five more years in February, had contested the recent assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

The tribunal validated the ban imposed on the JeI for its alleged involvement in activities which are prejudicial to internal security and public order, having the potential to disrupt the unity and integrity of the country.

While proscribing the outfit, the ministry of home affairs (MHA) had listed 47 cases registered against it. These included an NIA case for collection of funds that were used by the active cadres and members of Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba and other terrorist organisations through a well-established network to organise violent protests, create public unrest and communal disharmony, thus instilling a sense of fear and insecurity in J&K and all over the country. Another NIA case was registered against the members and cadres of the Jel, including Ameer Mohammed Shamsi, chief executive, Al-Huda Educational Trust (AHET) for receiving funds through AHET, Rajouri, in the name of Jel even after its ban in February 2019.

The MHA had noted that the Jel is in close touch with militant outfits and is continuously supporting extremism a