MHA extends ban on Zakir Naik’s Islamic Research Foundation for 5 years

New Delhi, November 16: The Union Home Ministry has extended the ban imposed on the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), headed by India-born preacher Zakir Naik, for a further five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

 

The ban on Zakir Naik’s NGO was first imposed by the government in November 2016. The organisation was banned due to his 'objectionable and subversive' speeches which allegedly promoted enmity.

 

In a notification, the Ministry said that the IRF has been indulging in activities that are prejudicial to the country's security and are the potential of disturbing the peace and communal harmony and disrupting the secular fabric of the country.

 

 

As per the ministry, Naik’s activities will disrupt the secular fabric of the country by polluting the minds of the people by creating communal disharmony, propagating anti-national sentiments, escalating secessionism by supporting militancy and some people may undertake activities that are prejudicial to the sovereignty, integrity, and security of the country.

 

The central government is of the opinion that the IRF and its members, particularly, the founder and president, Zakir Abdul Karim Naik alias Zakir Naik, has been encouraging and aiding its followers to promote or attempt to promote, on grounds of religion, disharmony, or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will between different religious communities and groups which are prejudicial to the integrity and security of the country, it said.

 

 

 

The Home Ministry said the statements and speeches made by Naik are objectionable and subversive and through them, he has been promoting enmity and hatred among religious groups and inspiring youths of a particular religion in India and abroad to commit terrorist acts.

 

Naik also makes radical statements and speeches to millions of people worldwide through international satellite TV networks, Internet, print, and social media, it said.

The government believes that if the unlawful activities of the IRF are not curbed and controlled immediately, it will take the opportunity to continue its subversive activities and re-organize its activists who are still absconding, it said.

 

Considering all these aspects, the Home Ministry said, it has decided to extend the ban imposed on the IRF under the UAPA for another five years.

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