Centre Extends Ban on Zakir Naik’s Islamic Research Foundation for Five More Years

New Delhi, November 13: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday extended the ban on controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik’s organisation, the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), for another five years, citing concerns over national security, communal harmony and activities allegedly promoting religious hatred.

 

 

The ministry issued a gazette notification declaring the IRF an unlawful association under Section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967. The earlier ban on the organisation was scheduled to expire on November 14.

 

According to the notification, the government observed that the IRF and its members, particularly its founder and president, Dr Zakir Abdul Karim Naik, alias Zakir Naik, had been encouraging and supporting activities that promote disharmony, enmity, hatred and ill-will between different religious communities.

 

The Ministry stated that Naik's speeches and statements were objectionable and subversive in nature and had the potential to disturb communal peace and threaten the country's sovereignty, integrity and security.

 

It further alleged that Naik had been using international satellite television networks, the internet, print media and social media to reach millions of people worldwide with radical statements and speeches. The notification also accused him of inspiring youths belonging to a particular religion in India and abroad to engage in terrorist activities.

 

 

The government stated that if the organisation's alleged unlawful activities were not curbed, the IRF could continue its subversive activities and reorganise its members who remain absconding. It warned that such activities could disrupt the secular fabric of the country by spreading communal disharmony and anti-national sentiments.

 

The notification further highlighted concerns that the organisation could escalate secessionist activities by supporting militancy and undertaking actions prejudicial to India's sovereignty, integrity and security.

 

The Ministry also noted that the earlier declaration of the IRF as an unlawful association had been upheld by the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal.