New Delhi, Nov 13 (KNS): The Centre on Friday extended the ban on Islamic preacher Zakir Naik-founded Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) for another five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), citing concerns over national security and communal harmony.
In a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the government declared the IRF an unlawful association with immediate effect, extending the prohibition for five years from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
The IRF was first banned in November 2016 under Section 3 of the UAPA. The declaration was subsequently confirmed by the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal in May 2017. The ban was renewed in November 2021 and upheld by the tribunal in March 2022.
The latest notification said the Centre is of the opinion that the organisation and its members, particularly its founder and president Naik, had been engaging in activities prejudicial to the security of the country and capable of disturbing peace and communal harmony.
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The government alleged that Naik had made objectionable and subversive speeches and statements and had been promoting enmity and hatred among different religious communities.
It further alleged that his speeches had inspired youths in India and abroad to commit terrorist acts and that his statements had reached millions of people through satellite television, the internet, print and social media.
The Centre also expressed apprehension that the organisation could continue its alleged subversive activities, reorganise its activists, promote communal disharmony, propagate anti-national sentiments and support militancy if its activities were not curbed.
Exercising powers under Sections 3(1) and 3(3) of the UAPA, the government said the declaration would remain in force for five years, subject to any order passed under Section 4 of the Act.
The extension comes as the existing five-year ban was due to expire on November 14, 2026. (KNS)
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