Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 13: The Central government has extended the ban on the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), founded by wanted Indian fugitive Zakir Naik, for another five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).
In a notification issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday, the Centre said the organisation and its members had been involved in activities that allegedly disturb communal harmony and undermine the secular fabric of the country.
The ministry stated that Naik and other IRF members had continued to promote disharmony and hatred among different communities. It further alleged that Naik's speeches and statements were aimed at inciting young people to engage in terrorist activities.
The notification said that Naik, as president of the IRF, had allegedly promoted enmity between religious groups and inspired youth in India and abroad to commit terrorist acts.
Invoking Sections 3(1) and 3(3) of the UAPA, 1967, the Centre declared the IRF an unlawful association and ordered that the ban would remain in force for five years from the date of publication of the notification in the Official Gazette, subject to any order passed under Section 4 of the Act.
Naik faces multiple cases in India, including allegations of hate speech and promoting communal disharmony. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) had registered a case against him under the UAPA and relevant provisions of criminal law.
He has been residing in Malaysia since 2016. India has sought his extradition, but Malaysia has not handed him over.
Last year, Naik also received attention in Bangladesh after the Muhammad Yunus-led administration reportedly extended him a welcome. He had been banned in Bangladesh by the government of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina following the July 2016 Dhaka Holey Artisan Bakery terror attack.
Naik has faced allegations of promoting communal disharmony through his Peace TV channel and social media platforms, which reportedly have a combined following of more than 20 million.