New Delhi — Indian government on Wednesday banned Hamas-style Islamist group the Popular Front of India (PFI) and its eight fronts for its alleged links to terror funding, with an immediate effect.
This decision came after the country’s National Investigation Agency (NIA) detained scores of members of the Islamist organisation on Tuesday and earlier in the month. They were accused of violence and anti-national activities.
PFI’s fronts which are also on the banned list are, Rehab India Foundation (RIF), Campus Front of India (CFI), All India Imams Council (AIIC), National Confederation of Human Rights Organization (NCHRO), National Women’s Front, Junior Front, Empower India Foundation and Rehab Foundation, Kerala.
Between September 22 and September 27, NIA along with Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted nation wide crackdown. In the first round of raids, 106 people belonging to PFI were arrested. Meanwhile, in the second round of raids, 247 people belonging to PFI were arrested.
Investigating agencies got shocking evidences, violent literature, weapons and cash.
PFI was formed in 2006 by the adherents of Muslim Brotherhood ideology in India. Due to its radical and violent nature, the group was always under the radar.
Government declared the group and all its affiliates as an “unlawful association”. The ban is for five years.
