Tribunal Upholds Ban On Awami Action Committee, Jammu & Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen Under UAPA

Last Updated:September 19, 2025, 14:42 IST

The AAC, chaired by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, was first declared unlawful on March 11, 2025. The government cited multiple instances linking the outfit to militant activities.

While AAC is chaired by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, JKIM is headed by Masroor Abbas Ansari. (Image: PTI)

Special tribunal has upheld the Centre’s decision to outlaw two prominent separatist outfits from Jammu and Kashmir – the Awami Action Committee (AAC) and the Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM) – branding them as “unlawful associations” under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967. The orders, passed on September 3 and published in the Gazette of India on Thursday, mark a significant tightening of the government’s clampdown on groups accused of fomenting secessionism in the Valley.

The Tribunal, headed by Delhi High Court judges designated under UAPA, confirmed that the government had “sufficient cause” to impose the ban. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said in its notification: “the Tribunal in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (3) of section 4 of the said Act, passed an order on 3rd September, 2025, confirming the declaration made in the said notification”.

Ban on Awami Action Committee

The AAC, chaired by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, was first declared unlawful on March 11, 2025. The government cited multiple instances linking the outfit and its members to separatist and militant activities.

The MHA notification read: “the Awami Action Committee (AAC), chaired by Umar Farooq, is indulging in unlawful activities, which are prejudicial to the integrity, sovereignty and security of the country… members of the AAC have remained involved in supporting terrorist activities and anti-India propaganda for fuelling secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir”.

Authorities pointed to a series of criminal cases against AAC leaders, including FIRs for provocative speeches, inciting stone-pelting, supporting hartals, and glorifying slain militants. According to the background note submitted before the Tribunal, AAC activists had “glorified terrorists, burnt the national flag, raised pro-Pakistan slogans and floated Pakistani flags with balloons.” The organisation was also accused of maintaining “a minacious nexus with cross-border agencies” and receiving funds from Pakistan for separatist activities.

The MHA further said that if left unchecked, the AAC would “continue advocating the secession of Jammu and Kashmir from the Union of India, continue propagating false narrative and anti-national sentiments among the people of Jammu and Kashmir, and escalate secessionist movements, support militancy and incite violence.”

Ban on Jammu & Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen

In a separate order, the Tribunal also upheld the Centre’s March 11, 2025 notification declaring JKIM, headed by Masroor Abbas Ansari, as an unlawful association.

The MHA said, “the Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM), chaired by Masroor Abbas Ansari, is indulging in unlawful activities, which are prejudicial to the integrity, sovereignty and security of the country… the leaders and members of JKIM have been involved in mobilising funds for perpetrating unlawful activities, including supporting secessionist, separatist and terrorist activities in Jammu and Kashmir”.

The government described JKIM as a “Pakistan-backed separatist organisation” and a founder member of the All Party Hurriyat Conference. Its cadres, it alleged, had glorified slain Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani, organised protests, boycotted elections, and spread “false narrative” through literature, rallies and social media channels.

The background note said JKIM sought “liberation and re-unification of Jammu & Kashmir as it existed before 1947,” portraying Kashmir as an “unfinished agenda of partition” and calling for UN intervention. Its YouTube channel, created in 2009, was cited as a platform used to “perpetuate secessionism, extend support to terrorists and vilify India and its security forces.”

Defence by the organisations

Both organisations denied the allegations before the Tribunal.

The AAC argued that it was historically rooted in the “institution of Mirwaiz” and founded as a socio-political body by Mirwaiz Molvi Farooq in 1964. It described itself as committed to “social reforms, peace and harmonious coexistence” and claimed it had always advocated dialogue and resolution rather than violence.

JKIM, for its part, said it was primarily a religious organisation representing the Shia community and “believes in peace and tranquility and above all, love and affection towards motherland (India).” Its counsel argued that the government had acted under “extraordinary circumstances” without providing full material or evidence. Citing Supreme Court precedents, JKIM alleged violation of natural justice and maintained that it had never engaged in secessionist or terrorist activity.

Tribunal’s decision

After months of hearings and review of evidence, the Tribunal rejected these defences and confirmed the bans. The orders make clear that both organisations will remain outlawed for a period of five years, subject to review, under the proviso to Section 3(3) of UAPA.

The MHA emphasised that the bans were necessary to safeguard India’s sovereignty and security. “The Central Government, having regard to the above circumstances, is of firm opinion that it is necessary to declare the Awami Action Committee (AAC) [and] the Jammu and Kashmir Ittihadul Muslimeen (JKIM) as unlawful associations with immediate effect”.

About the Author

Ankur Sharma

With over 15 years of journalistic experience, Ankur Sharma, Associate Editor, specializes in internal security and is tasked with providing comprehensive coverage from the Ministry of Home Affairs, paramilitar…Read More

With over 15 years of journalistic experience, Ankur Sharma, Associate Editor, specializes in internal security and is tasked with providing comprehensive coverage from the Ministry of Home Affairs, paramilitar… Read More

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