PFI Accepts Government's Ban Order, Announces Disbanding
The Wire Staff
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New Delhi: Hours after the Union government banned the Popular Front of India (PFI) for alleged involvement in terrorism, the group on Wednesday announced its disbanding, adding that it accepts the decision of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)
In a statement, PFI state general secretary A. Abdul Sattar said the organisation stands disbanded. “As law-abiding citizens of the country, we accept the decision of the Home Ministry,” he added. In a statement, he said:
“The PFI has been working with a clear vision for the socio-economic and cultural empowerment of the underprivileged, downtrodden and marginalised sections of the society for the past three decades. But as law-abiding citizens of our great country, the organisation accepts the decision of the Ministry of Home Affairs. It also informs all its former members and the general public that the Popular Front of India has been disbanded. All members of the Popular Front of India are requested to cease their activities since the publication of the notification."
The MHA issued a notification banning the organisation and its affiliates under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act on Wednesday. The move came after two rounds of the crackdown on PFI and its members for alleged terror funding and radicalisation.
According to news agency PTI, the notification banning the PFI will be followed by a number of actions against the outfit, including seizure of its properties, freezing of bank accounts and a complete prohibition of its usual activities.
The Union government will also move a tribunal within 30 days from the date of the publication of the notification for adjudication of whether or not there is sufficient cause for declaring the association unlawful.
The ban order will remain in force for five years and it can be further extended by the government.
Sattar was arrested from Alappuzha in Kerala hours after he posted the statement on his Facebook account.
According to Hindustan Times, Sattar was allegedly absconding after calling a statewide hartal on September 23 against the nationwide raids on PFI. He may be handed over to the NIA later in the day, the newspaper said.
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