Jharkhand Bans Popular Front of India (PFI) in the State Again

Ranchi, February 12: The Jharkhand government on Tuesday banned a controversial Muslim organisation-Popular Front of India (PFI) in the state under Section 16 of The Criminal Law Amendment Act, 1908. This is the second time that the state government has taken such a decision. In 2018, the organisation was banned in the state but the High Court set aside the government ban notification. Ban On Popular Front Of India Lifted; Jharkhand High Court Pulls Up State Government. 

In August 2018, the Jharkhand High Court had set aside a notification issued by the state government, banning the Popular Front of India (PFI) on account of its members being 'internally influenced' by ISIS and for indulging in activities aimed at disturbing peace and harmony of the country.

The PFI is an extremist and militant Islamic fundamentalist organisation in India formed as a successor to the National Development Front (NDF) in 2006. It acquired a multi-state dimension by merging with the National Development Front, Manitha Neethi Pasarai, Karnataka Forum for Dignity and other organisations.  In February this year, the Jharkhand Government banned the PFI for spreading anarchy in the state.

The PFI is portrayed as a neo-social movement committed to empowering people to ensure justice, freedom and security. Reports inform that the organisation has several wings to cater to a different section of society.  In the past, the PFI has in the past taken out processions in favour of Mumbai-based absconding Islamic preacher Zakir Naik on several occasions. The Intelligence Bureau had earlier stated that the PFI is violent in nature as their one point agenda is to attack the Right Wing.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 12, 2019 04:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).