NEW DELHI, Nov 13: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the ban on the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), led by fugitive preacher Dr. Zakir Naik, declaring it an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
The decision is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s policy of zero tolerance towards terrorism and anti-national activities.
Announcing the decision, the Home Minister’s Office (HMO) stated in a post on X that the organisation had allegedly been involved in activities against India’s interests, including inciting communal hatred, promoting hostility and encouraging terrorism.
According to the statement, the organisation has been found to propagate extremist ideologies linked to terrorism and separatism, instigate violent unrest, encourage the regrouping of absconding terrorists and foment communal discord.
The Ministry said the extension of the ban reflects the government’s continued commitment to safeguarding national security, maintaining communal harmony and preventing organisations allegedly involved in unlawful activities from operating in the country.
The action has been taken under the provisions of the UAPA, which empowers the government to declare organisations unlawful to address threats to the sovereignty, security and integrity of India.