The Government of India has seized funds, properties, and assets of the Jammu & Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party (JKDFP) led by jailed separatist leader Shabir Shah under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967, two days after banning the political party.
In a notification issued by the MHA, the government of India granted the J&K administration authority to seize funds, properties, and assets belonging to the banned separatist organization. The notification cites Section 42 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, allowing the Central Government to delegate powers exercised under Sections 7 and 8 of the Act.
Under Section 7, the government is empowered to prohibit the use of funds associated with an unlawful association, while Section 8 pertains to the notification of places used by such organizations.
The MHA’s notification, dated October 5, 2023, stated that “members of the JKDFP have been actively involved in secessionist activities within Jammu and Kashmir, aiming to establish a separate Islamic State.”
The Jammu and Kashmir Democratic Freedom Party was founded in 1998 by Shabir Ahmad Shah who is currently imprisoned in Delhi. He has been booked under several charges in connection with money laundering and “terror—funding cases.”
In 2022, the ED attached Shabir Ahmad Shah’s Srinagar residence.
