New Delhi: Close on the heels of the Union government declaring the Popular Front of India (PFI) a banned organisation, the Kerala government has initiated steps to implement the order by empowering the district administration and police to take action against the outlawed outfit's activities.

The Home Department of the state government on Wednesday issued an order stating that since PFI, its associates, affiliates and fronts have been declared as unlawful associations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the powers which the state government can exercise have been delegated to the respective District Magistrates and Police Superintendents.

District Magistrates and Superintendents of Police, in their respective jurisdictions, would be exercising powers under Sections 7 (power to prohibit the use of funds of an unlawful association and 8 (power to notify places used for the purpose of an unlawful association) of UAPA, the Kerala government said.

The ban came in the wake of nation-wide raids on the outfits offices and arrest of over 100 of its leaders which was followed by a state-wide hartal in Kerala on September 23.

Meanwhile in Karnataka's Mangaluru, city police sealed 12 of PFI's offices and associate outfits.

Police sources said 10 offices of the PFI, the office of the Campus Front of India (CFI) and an information and empowerment office of the organisation were sealed since Wednesday evening.

The PFI offices located at Kasaba Bengre, Chokkabettu, Katipalla, Adoor, Kinnipadav, K C Road, Inoli, Mallur, Nellikai road and Kudroli were sealed.

The CFI office at Azizuddin road, Bunder and the information and empowerment office of the outfit at Rao and Rao circle have also been sealed, the sources said.

(With PTI inputs)

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