GoI bans both factions of Muslim Conference in JK

Says faction led by Prof Bhat has linkages with banned militant outfits; Sumji-led MC raised funds for perpetrating unlawful activities

Srinagar: The Home Ministry of India has declared both factions of Muslim Conference, one headed by former Hurriyat chairman Prof. Abdul Gani Bhat and another by Ghulam Nabi Sumji- as unlawful associations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act-1967.

The Home Minister issued two separate notifications to ban both factions of Muslim Conference.

Before August 5, 2019, Prof. Bhat led faction was part of Hurriyat led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq while other was part of Hurriyat led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

According to MHA, the Muslim Conference Jammu and Kashmir (Bhat faction), chaired by Abdul Ghani Bhat have been indulging in unlawful activities, which are prejudicial to the integrity, sovereignty and security of India.

It said that the faction has linkages with banned militant organisations and has supported militancy in Jammu and Kashmir

The MHA further said the members of the faction led by Prof. Bhat have been indulging in generating feelings of hatred and disaffection against India to separate Jammu and Kashmir from India.

In the notification, the Ministry said that the leaders and members of the MCJK-B have been involved in raising funds through various sources including Pakistan and its proxy organizations for perpetrating unlawful activities, including supporting militant  activities, sustained stone-pelting on security forces in Jammu and Kashmir.