Months after Islamic evangelist Zakir Naik’s Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) came under the scanner for ‘inspiring’ terrorism, the central government is set to reportedly declare the organization as unlawful under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
According to The Times of India, a draft note is being prepared, citing the objectionable and communal content in speeches of Zakir Naik and other members of the IRF, that poses threat to social harmony. The draft is likely to come up for approval soon.
“Such divisive ideology is against India's pluralistic and secular social fabric and it may be viewed as causing disaffection against India and thereby making it an unlawful activity,” states the draft Cabinet note, according to TOI.
IRF, that has branches in Maharashtra, Kerala and Sindhudurg, came under scanner a few months ago, after 21 youngsters from Kerala joined the Islamic terror outfit IS.
In July, a member of IRS Mumbai was arrested by the Anti-Terrorism Squad for forceful conversion, based on a complaint filed by the brother of one of the missing Kerala youths. Following his arrest, Arshi Qureshi was brought to Kerala for questioning and was charged under UAPA.
The home ministry’s move to declare IRF as unlawful comes in the wake of many of Zakir’s speeches being criticized. In his speeches, he would often seemingly justify bomb killings, speak in favour of forceful conversions and make objectional comments on Hindu religion.