In a fresh and significant development, the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal has confirmed the Central Government’s declaration of the Awami Action Committee (AAC) as an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA).
The confirmation follows the extraordinary Gazette Notification S.O. 1115(E) dated 11th March, 2025, in which the government had cited AAC’s activities as prejudicial to India’s sovereignty, integrity, and security.According to the notification, the AAC, chaired by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, is involved in promoting secessionist ideologies and mobilizing support and funds for anti-India activities in Jammu & Kashmir. The government’s order cited multiple FIRs and legal cases against AAC members, including Umar Farooq and the association’s media advisor, for speeches, slogans, and activities alleged to fuel secessionism and unrest between 2008 and 2017.
The notification stated that without immediate intervention, AAC could continue activities that destabilize law and order, promote anti-national sentiments, escalate secessionist movements, and support militancy. Exercising powers under Section 3(1) and the proviso to Section 3(3) of the UAPA, the government directed that the ban would remain in effect.The Tribunal, after careful review of evidence, background notes, and procedural compliance under UAPA, confirmed the ban in a fresh order.
The Tribunal noted that the evidence presented by the government justified the declaration, including the nature of AAC’s alleged activities and past involvement in anti-national campaigns. An order under Section 4(3) of UAPA officially affirmed AAC as an unlawful association, giving legal backing to the government notification.The Tribunal’s fresh order also emphasized that the decision followed due procedure, with independent evaluation of the material, and highlighted the potential threat posed by the association’s activities to national security and territorial integrity.
AAC has rejected the allegations, terming the government and Tribunal findings as baseless and politically motivated. The association provided a detailed response emphasizing its social, religious, and humanitarian contributions.As for the background of the organization, AAC traces its origins to the Mirwaiz institution, which has been active since the 17th century, promoting education, social reforms, and empowerment of Kashmiri Muslims. Mirwaiz Molvi Farooq, AAC’s founder, and his son Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who has led the association since 1991, have consistently emphasized unity, tolerance, and social welfare.
AAC claims it has always advocated dialogue and resolution, holding talks with leaders including ex-Prime Ministers Vajpayee and Manmohan Singh, and former Home Minister Advani. AAC contends that expressing concerns and aspirations of the people of Jammu & Kashmir to the highest levels of leadership cannot be considered subversive.
Formed in 1964 by Mirwaiz Molvi Farooq, AAC was created to pursue a solution to the Kashmir issue through self-determination. It joined the All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) in 1993 as a founding member and has historically been active in political advocacy. While the government views these activities as secessionist, AAC emphasizes that its work also involves education, social reform, religious guidance, and community service.
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