In the latest crackdown against the separatist and terror harbouring elements in the Jammu and Kashmir, the union government has taken a significant step. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has declared Muslim League Jammu Kashmir- Masarat Alam faction (MLJK-MA) an unlawful organisation under the UAPA. The decision was taken as MLJK-MA has been found involved in anti-national and separatist activities while inciting people for secession.
Taking to X (formarly Twitter), Union Home Minister Amit Shah wrote,
“The ‘Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction)’/MLJK-MA is declared as an ‘Unlawful Association’ under UAPA. This organization and its members are involved in anti-national and secessionist activities in J&K supporting terrorist activities and inciting people to establish Islamic rule in J&K.”
He went on to say, “The PM @narendramodi government’s message is loud and clear that anyone acting against the unity, sovereignty, and integrity of our nation will not be spared and face the full wrath of the law.”
Masarat Alam, a terrorist and a separatist
Declaring Masarat Alam’s organisation as unlawful is apparently one of the much needed step as, although irrelevant, he is the head of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC) separatist group. He assumed its chairmanship 6 days after separatist Syed Ali Shah Geelani fied in 2021. However, he has been in Tihar jail for many years now. Aged 50 years, Masarat Alam is known for his hard line separatism and staunch support for Pakistan, which makes it very clear why he acquainted with terrorists at the first place.
In fact, before joining Hurriyat under Geelani, Masarat was a local commander of Pakistan based terror group Hizbollah founded by Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat. Interestingly, Mushtaq was the person who had founded a separatist outfit called Muslim League in 1988. It is also said that it was Masarat Alam, who promoted stone pelting despite Geelani’s unwillingness, which made him a person of interest for Pakistan.