<p>Seven foreign nationals, including six Ukrainian nationals and one from the United States has been arrested on charges of plotting terror activities against India. They were arrested after multiple NIA teams launched a coordinated operation last week under Section 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), along with other relevant sections.</p><p><br>Following the arrest, an FIR was filed on Friday evening, detaining a US national at Kolkata airport and three Ukrainians each at airports in Lucknow and Delhi by the Bureau of Immigration. Citing the source, the Indian Express reported that the accused had entered India on valid visas, but set foot into Mizoram without the mandatory Restricted Area Permit.</p><p><br>“From there, they crossed into Myanmar, where they reportedly met ethnic groups hostile to India. Investigations also uncovered that multiple consignments of drones from Europe were delivered by them in Mizoram,” the source said, the Indian Express reported.</p><h3>Illegal transportation of drones from Europe to Myanmar via India</h3><p>The suspects were brought to Delhi and presented before a duty magistrate on Saturday, who initially sent them to three days’ custody. On Monday, their custody was extended again until March 27, granting an additional 11 days. The NIA alleged that the group was planning terror attacks, with their activities raising concerns over cross-border threats.</p><p><br>“The aspects of collection of evidence, unearthing criminal conspiracy, identification of co-accused persons and analysis of mobile data of accused persons, are such that police custody of accused persons is justified,” Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma of Patiala House Court said in his order.</p><p><br>The investigative agency confirmed that the accused were involved in illegally transporting large consignments of drones from Europe to Myanmar through India for use by ethnic armed groups. These groups were also allegedly aiding banned Indian insurgent outfits by supplying weapons, other terror equipment and training.</p><p><br>Represented by SPP Rahul Tyagi, PP Anil Dabas, and advocates Jatin and Amit Rohilla, the NIA sought extended custody to gather further evidence and uncover the larger conspiracy involving the accused and their associates. The agency told the court it aimed to trace the routes used by the accused, examine mobile data to identify funding sources, and track down other associates who may be revealed through analysis of social media accounts.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-slams-uscirf-report-as-biased-rejects-allegations-on-religious-freedom-1773691146838"> India slams USCIRF report as 'biased', rejects allegations on religious freedom</a></p>

The accused had entered India on valid visas, but set foot into Mizoram without the mandatory Restricted Area Permit. After the arrest, they were brought to Delhi and presented before a duty magistrate on Saturday, who initially sent them to three days’ custody. 

Seven foreign nationals, including six Ukrainian nationals and one from the United States has been arrested on charges of plotting terror activities against India. They were arrested after multiple NIA teams launched a coordinated operation last week under Section 18 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), along with other relevant sections. Following the arrest, an FIR was filed on Friday evening, detaining a US national at Kolkata airport and three Ukrainians each at airports in Lucknow and Delhi by the Bureau of Immigration. Citing the source, the Indian Express reported that the accused had entered India on valid visas, but set foot into Mizoram without the mandatory Restricted Area Permit. “From there, they crossed into Myanmar, where they reportedly met ethnic groups hostile to India. Investigations also uncovered that multiple consignments of drones from Europe were delivered by them in Mizoram,” the source said, the Indian Express reported. Illegal transportation of drones from Europe to Myanmar via India The suspects were brought to Delhi and presented before a duty magistrate on Saturday, who initially sent them to three days’ custody. On Monday, their custody was extended again until March 27, granting an additional 11 days. The NIA alleged that the group was planning terror attacks, with their activities raising concerns over cross-border threats. “The aspects of collection of evidence, unearthing criminal conspiracy, identification of co-accused persons and analysis of mobile data of accused persons, are such that police custody of accused persons is justified,” Additional Sessions Judge Prashant Sharma of Patiala House Court said in his order. The investigative agency confirmed that the accused were involved in illegally transporting large consignments of drones from Europe to Myanmar through India for use by ethnic armed groups. These groups were also allegedly aiding banned Indian insurgent outfits by supplying weapons, other terror equipment and training. Represented by SPP Rahul Tyagi, PP Anil Dabas, and advocates Jatin and Amit Rohilla, the NIA sought extended custody to gather further evidence and uncover the larger conspiracy involving the accused and their associates. The agency told the court it aimed to trace the routes used by the accused, examine mobile data to identify funding sources, and track down other associates who may be revealed through analysis of social media accounts. Also read: India slams USCIRF report as 'biased', rejects allegations on religious freedom

<p>The accused had entered India on valid visas, but set foot into Mizoram without the mandatory Restricted Area Permit. After the arrest, they were brought to Delhi and presented before a duty magistrate on Saturday, who initially sent them to three days’ custody.&nbsp;</p>

1 American, 6 Ukrainians arrested in India for plotting terror activities

<p>Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Saturday demanded bold actions from the Indian government, saying it should amend the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) by adding a schedule and subsequently declare Pakistan a terrorist state under it.<br>Talking to the media, Sibal, a senior advocate and president of the Supreme Court Bar Association, said, &ldquo;I have said earlier that by bringing an amendment in UAPA, we should add a schedule where we mention a terrorist state, and then name Pakistan under it so that we can go to the world and tell countries that you are doing business with this terrorist. Why don&rsquo;t you tell them to stop it, because it is good for the world, it is good for our progress, it is also very good for the people of Kashmir.&rdquo;</p>
<p>&ldquo;The real issue is terrorism. That&rsquo;s why our foreign policy should focus on the fact that the Pakistani state is a factory of terrorism,&rdquo; said Sibal, a former Union minister of law and justice.<br>&ldquo;We want terrorism to end, but you muster courage, declare Pakistan a terrorist state, and then tell nations that they cannot trade with Pakistan,&rdquo; Sibal said.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/operation-sindoor-pakistan-pm-shehbaz-sharif-admits-to-being-woken-up-by-asim-munir-around-230-am-when-india-struck-nur-khan-airbase-9077175">Operation Sindoor: Pakistan PM admits to being woken up by Asim Munir 'at 2:30 am' when India struck Nur Khan airbase | Watch</a></strong></p>
<h2>&lsquo;Parliament should pass a resolution on terrorism, Pakistan&rsquo;</h2>
<p>&ldquo;Our Parliament should also pass a resolution on terrorism and Pakistan so that when we go to the global stage, we can say, &lsquo;You&rsquo;re doing trade with them &mdash; why don&rsquo;t you tell them to shut this down? Because it&rsquo;s good for the world, it&rsquo;s good for our progress, it will embolden others, including the people of Pakistan, and it will also benefit the people of Kashmir. They won&rsquo;t become victims. Ordinary citizens won&rsquo;t become victims,&rdquo; he added.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also Read |<span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaishankar-thanks-taliban-for-condemning-pahalgam-attack-holds-first-high-level-talks-since-2021-afghanistan-takeover-operation-sindoor-pakistan-9073712" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pakistan on 'probation,' faces 'strict punishment' without behaviour change warns Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh</a></strong></p>
<p>Sibal also welcomed the decision regarding the all-party delegation&rsquo;s international visits and said, &ldquo;After the 26/11 attacks, the then PM Manmohan Singh decided to send delegations to different countries to show the world that Pakistan is a terrorist state and that terrorists are born there... An environment was created in the world that Pakistan is a factory that produces terrorism, after which terrorist attacks in J&amp;K started reducing. The terrorist attacks in 2014 in J&amp;K were less than in the later years,&rdquo; Sibal said.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-mas3q17h-hjk9a6u9-zfx8veeh">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Delhi: Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal says "...I have said earlier that by bringing an amendment in UAPA, we should add a schedule where we can say terrorist state and under its name Pakistan, so that we can go to the world and tell that you are doing business with this&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/Fate3utqqU">pic.twitter.com/Fate3utqqU</a></p>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1923639325536731510?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>&lsquo;Trump cannot compare us with Pakistan&rsquo;&nbsp;</h2>
<p>Sibal also asserted that India cannot be compared with Pakistan, and said, &ldquo;We should not be compared with Pakistan, and US President Trump cannot compare us with Pakistan.&rdquo;<br>US President Donald Trump has asserted that his administration played a crucial role in brokering an immediate cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan.</p>
<p>The MP&rsquo;s statement comes amid a spike in tension between India and Pakistan after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 innocent and unarmed civilians.</p>
<p><strong>Also read |<span>&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-al-qaeda-terrorist-to-trumps-tough-attractive-guy-story-of-syrian-president-ahmed-al-sharaa-9073460" rel="noopener" target="_blank">From al-Qaeda terrorist to Trump's 'tough attractive guy': Story of Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa</a></strong></p>
<p>After the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, striking nine terror sites in Pakistan and PoK. After Operation Sindoor, Pakistan sent drones and missiles and tried to attack Indian air bases, but all were intercepted by the Indian military.&nbsp;</p>
<p>A delegation comprising seven members from various parties is scheduled to visit significant partner nations, including UN Security Council members, later this month regarding Operation Sindoor and India&rsquo;s ongoing efforts against cross-border terrorism.</p>
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India News | Pakistan: “The real issue is terrorism. That’s why our foreign policy should focus on the fact that the Pakistani state is a factory of terrorism,” said Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal, a former Union minister of law and justice.

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Saturday demanded bold actions from the Indian government, saying it should amend the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) by adding a schedule and subsequently declare Pakistan a terrorist state under it. Talking to the media, Sibal, a senior advocate and president of the Supreme Court Bar Association, said, “I have said earlier that by bringing an amendment in UAPA, we should add a schedule where we mention a terrorist state, and then name Pakistan under it so that we can go to the world and tell countries that you are doing business with this terrorist. Why don’t you tell them to stop it, because it is good for the world, it is good for our progress, it is also very good for the people of Kashmir.” “The real issue is terrorism. That’s why our foreign policy should focus on the fact that the Pakistani state is a factory of terrorism,” said Sibal, a former Union minister of law and justice. “We want terrorism to end, but you muster courage, declare Pakistan a terrorist state, and then tell nations that they cannot trade with Pakistan,” Sibal said. Also Read | Operation Sindoor: Pakistan PM admits to being woken up by Asim Munir 'at 2:30 am' when India struck Nur Khan airbase | Watch ‘Parliament should pass a resolution on terrorism, Pakistan’ “Our Parliament should also pass a resolution on terrorism and Pakistan so that when we go to the global stage, we can say, ‘You’re doing trade with them — why don’t you tell them to shut this down? Because it’s good for the world, it’s good for our progress, it will embolden others, including the people of Pakistan, and it will also benefit the people of Kashmir. They won’t become victims. Ordinary citizens won’t become victims,” he added. Also Read | Pakistan on 'probation,' faces 'strict punishment' without behaviour change warns Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Sibal also welcomed the decision regarding the all-party delegation’s international visits and said, “After the 26/11 attacks, the then PM Manmohan Singh decided to send delegations to different countries to show the world that Pakistan is a terrorist state and that terrorists are born there... An environment was created in the world that Pakistan is a factory that produces terrorism, after which terrorist attacks in J&K started reducing. The terrorist attacks in 2014 in J&K were less than in the later years,” Sibal said. #WATCH | Delhi: Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal says "...I have said earlier that by bringing an amendment in UAPA, we should add a schedule where we can say terrorist state and under its name Pakistan, so that we can go to the world and tell that you are doing business with this… pic.twitter.com/Fate3utqqU — ANI (@ANI) May 17, 2025 ‘Trump cannot compare us with Pakistan’ Sibal also asserted that India cannot be compared with Pakistan, and said, “We should not be compared with Pakistan, and US President Trump cannot compare us with Pakistan.” US President Donald Trump has asserted that his administration played a crucial role in brokering an immediate cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan. The MP’s statement comes amid a spike in tension between India and Pakistan after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 innocent and unarmed civilians. Also read | From al-Qaeda terrorist to Trump's 'tough attractive guy': Story of Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa After the attack, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, striking nine terror sites in Pakistan and PoK. After Operation Sindoor, Pakistan sent drones and missiles and tried to attack Indian air bases, but all were intercepted by the Indian military. A delegation comprising seven members from various parties is scheduled to visit significant partner nations, including UN Security Council members, later this month regarding Operation Sindoor and India’s ongoing efforts against cross-border terrorism.

‘Amend UAPA, declare Pakistan a terrorist state,’ says Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal

<p>The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) on Friday (Jan 3) confirmed the Centre's July 8 notification that declared <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=Gurpatwant+Singh+Pannun" rel="dofollow">Gurpatwant Singh Pannun</a>-led Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) an unlawful organisation for five years, Indian news agency ANI reported.</p>
<p>The tribunal headed by Delhi High Court's Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta, said that they found Centre's evidence against SFJ convincing.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The Union of India presented evidence before the UAPA, explaining how the organisation Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) has continuously been threatening Indian political leaders, government officials, police, diplomats, and also their families living abroad.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/how-rise-in-pro-khalistani-movements-rolled-over-in-2024-know-its-impact-on-india-canada-relations-8573892" rel="dofollow">How rise of pro-Khalistani activism in 2024 impacted India-Canada relations</a></strong></p>
<p>SFJ has been organising various events including, "justice rallies, genocide conferences, and freedom rallies", to damage India's image and stir anti-India sentiments within the Sikh diaspora, majorly in countries like Canada, America, the UK, and Australia.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The group has been operated by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York and California.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Justice Mendiratta considered the evidence credible, especially regarding SFJ's connections with international Khalistani terrorist and separatist groups, like Babbar Khalsa International.</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/khalistani-terrorist-pannun-threatens-to-attack-pm-modi-up-cm-yogi-during-maha-kumbh-2025-786716" rel="dofollow">Khalistani terrorist Pannun threatens to attack PM Modi, UP CM Yogi Adityanath during Maha Kumbh 2025</a></strong></p>
<p>The tribunal further highlighted SJF's link with Pakistan's ISI and its attempts to revive militancy in Punjab.&nbsp;</p>
<p>On July 8 last year, the India's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) extended SFJ's designation as an unlawful association for another five year. The ministry had imposed a similar ban on the organisation in 2019.&nbsp;</p>
<p>According to the ministry, SFJ's involvement in &ldquo;anti-national and subversive activities aimed at disrupting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India&rdquo; was the reason for extending the ban under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, of 1967.</p>
<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-court-restricts-pro-khalistan-elements-from-gathering-within-100m-of-temple-in-toronto-780675" rel="dofollow">Canadian court restricts pro-Khalistan elements from gathering within 100m of temple in Toronto</a></strong></p>
<p>Notably, around 104 cases have been charged against SFJ activists or sympathisers in India by state or UT police and NIA under various sections of UA(P) Act 1967, IPC, Arms Act 1959, IT Act 2000, and various other applicable laws.</p>
<p>Last month, Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun released a video, threatening Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of consequences <span>during the Kumbh Mela 2025 which is set to take place in Prayagraj.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

India news: The tribunal headed by Delhi High Court's Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta, said that they found Centre's evidence against Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) convincing. 

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) on Friday (Jan 3) confirmed the Centre's July 8 notification that declared Gurpatwant Singh Pannun-led Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) an unlawful organisation for five years, Indian news agency ANI reported. The tribunal headed by Delhi High Court's Justice Anoop Kumar Mendiratta, said that they found Centre's evidence against SFJ convincing. The Union of India presented evidence before the UAPA, explaining how the organisation Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) has continuously been threatening Indian political leaders, government officials, police, diplomats, and also their families living abroad. Also read: How rise of pro-Khalistani activism in 2024 impacted India-Canada relations SFJ has been organising various events including, "justice rallies, genocide conferences, and freedom rallies", to damage India's image and stir anti-India sentiments within the Sikh diaspora, majorly in countries like Canada, America, the UK, and Australia. The group has been operated by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York and California. Justice Mendiratta considered the evidence credible, especially regarding SFJ's connections with international Khalistani terrorist and separatist groups, like Babbar Khalsa International. Also read: Khalistani terrorist Pannun threatens to attack PM Modi, UP CM Yogi Adityanath during Maha Kumbh 2025 The tribunal further highlighted SJF's link with Pakistan's ISI and its attempts to revive militancy in Punjab. On July 8 last year, the India's Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) extended SFJ's designation as an unlawful association for another five year. The ministry had imposed a similar ban on the organisation in 2019. According to the ministry, SFJ's involvement in “anti-national and subversive activities aimed at disrupting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India” was the reason for extending the ban under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, of 1967. Also read: Canadian court restricts pro-Khalistan elements from gathering within 100m of temple in Toronto Notably, around 104 cases have been charged against SFJ activists or sympathisers in India by state or UT police and NIA under various sections of UA(P) Act 1967, IPC, Arms Act 1959, IT Act 2000, and various other applicable laws. Last month, Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun released a video, threatening Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath of consequences during the Kumbh Mela 2025 which is set to take place in Prayagraj. (With inputs from agencies)

India: UAPA Tribunal upholds ban on Khalistani terrorist Pannun's Sikhs For Justice

<p>The Indian government on Tuesday (Mar 12) announced a five-year ban on the Jammu Kashmir National Front (JKNF), which is chaired by Nayeem Ahmad Khan, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a notice issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, it was mentioned that JKNF is indulging in unlawful activities, which are prejudiced to the integrity, sovereignty and security of the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian Home Minister Amit Shah wrote on his official X account, "The Modi government today declared Jammu and Kashmir National Front as an Unlawful Association."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The outfit was found carrying out secessionist activities to sever Jammu and Kashmir from Bharat and supporting terrorism, challenging the sovereignty, security, and integrity of the nation," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/top-poll-official-meets-with-jk-political-parties-amid-demands-of-holding-general-assembly-elections-together-699278">Top poll official meets political parties in Kashmir amid demands of joint elections</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Shah further wrote that the Indian government is committed to uprooting terror forces to ensure national security.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The official notification stated that the JKNF has repeatedly asked people in Kashmir not to vote. The group has been targeting the very basic legally recognised elements of Indian democracy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government also claimed that JKNF and its members display complete disregard for the country's constitutional authority and structure by their actions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-elections-2024-sons-of-former-chief-ministers-dominate-2nd-list-of-congress-candidates-699391">Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Sons of former chief ministers dominate 2nd list of 43 Congress candidates</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Will the CAA implementation polarise Indian voters?&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>"JKNF leaders and members have remained involved in supporting terrorist activities and anti-India propaganda for fuelling secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir and providing logistic support to terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir," the government said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added that the leaders and members of JKNF have been involved in mobilising violent protesters in&nbsp;various parts of Kashmir for perpetrating unlawful activities, including supporting terrorist activities, and sustained stonepelting on Indian security forces in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Central Government hereby directs that this notification shall, subject to any order that may be made under section 4 of the said Act, have effect for a period of five years from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette," the government said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The Indian government on Tuesday (Mar 12) announced a five-year ban on the Jammu Kashmir National Front (JKNF), which is chaired by Nayeem Ahmad Khan, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The Indian government on Tuesday (Mar 12) announced a five-year ban on the Jammu Kashmir National Front (JKNF), which is chaired by Nayeem Ahmad Khan, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). In a notice issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, it was mentioned that JKNF is indulging in unlawful activities, which are prejudiced to the integrity, sovereignty and security of the country. Indian Home Minister Amit Shah wrote on his official X account, "The Modi government today declared Jammu and Kashmir National Front as an Unlawful Association." "The outfit was found carrying out secessionist activities to sever Jammu and Kashmir from Bharat and supporting terrorism, challenging the sovereignty, security, and integrity of the nation," he said. Also read: Top poll official meets political parties in Kashmir amid demands of joint elections Shah further wrote that the Indian government is committed to uprooting terror forces to ensure national security. The official notification stated that the JKNF has repeatedly asked people in Kashmir not to vote. The group has been targeting the very basic legally recognised elements of Indian democracy. The government also claimed that JKNF and its members display complete disregard for the country's constitutional authority and structure by their actions. Also read: Lok Sabha Elections 2024: Sons of former chief ministers dominate 2nd list of 43 Congress candidates Watch: Will the CAA implementation polarise Indian voters? × "JKNF leaders and members have remained involved in supporting terrorist activities and anti-India propaganda for fuelling secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir and providing logistic support to terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir," the government said. It added that the leaders and members of JKNF have been involved in mobilising violent protesters in various parts of Kashmir for perpetrating unlawful activities, including supporting terrorist activities, and sustained stonepelting on Indian security forces in Jammu and Kashmir. "Central Government hereby directs that this notification shall, subject to any order that may be made under section 4 of the said Act, have effect for a period of five years from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette," the government said. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian government bans Jammu Kashmir National Front for five years under UAPA

<p>The Bombay High Court, on Tuesday (Mar 5) acquitted former Delhi University professor GN Saibaba and five others accused in the Maoist link case. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra state government moved the Supreme Court to challenge Bombay High Court’s verdict.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did the Bombay High Court say?</strong></h2>

<p>The bench of the Bombay High Court comprising justices Vinay Joshi and Valmiki SA Menezes rejected the 2017 verdict by a sessions court in Maharashtra’s city of Nagpur which convicted Saibaba and others.</p>

<p>The Bombay High Court acquitted GN Saibaba, Hem Mishra, Mahesh Tirkey, Vijay Tirkey, Narayan Sanglikar, Prashant Rahi and Pandu Narote (who died in 2022 due to swine flu).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bengaluru-prison-radicalisation-case-nia-launches-17-raids-in-7-indian-states-696714">Bengaluru prison radicalisation case: NIA launches 17 raids in 7 Indian states</a></strong></p>

<p>The six people had been arrested and convicted under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for alleged Maoist links and were accused of aiding and abetting Maoist activities in March 2017.</p>

<p>However, the bench said it was acquitting all the accused in the case since the prosecution had failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt against them. The Bombay High Court said that the accused could be released from prison after paying a fine of Rs 50,000 (approx. $603).&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The prosecution has failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt the case against the accused persons,” the high court said. It held as “null and void” the sanction procured by the prosecution to charge the accused under the anti-terror law, UAPA.</p>

<p>The Bombay High Court also acquitted Saibaba, 54, and set aside the life sentence imposed on him noting that the prosecution failed to prove the case against the former Delhi University professor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 54-year-old is wheelchair-bound due to physical disability and has been lodged in the Nagpur Central Jail since his arrest in relation to the case in 2014.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Maharashtra govt to move the Supreme Court</strong></h2>

<p>While the prosecution did not seek the high court to stay its order, the Maharashtra government, on Tuesday approached the Supreme Court to challenge the Bombay High Court verdict of acquitting all those accused in the case, reported news agency PTI.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/abhijit-gangopadhyay-resigns-as-calcutta-high-court-judge-to-join-bjp-696848">Abhijit Gangopadhyay resigns as Calcutta high court judge, to join BJP</a></strong></p>

<p>The case stems from accusations against Saibaba and five others for alleged Maoist links and supposedly indulging in activities amounting to waging war against the country.</p>

<p>The recent verdict comes after another bench of the high court acquitted Saibaba, in 2022, saying that the trial proceedings were “null and void” in the absence of a valid sanction under the UAPA.</p>

<p>At the time, the Maharashtra government, on the same day, had moved the Supreme Court to challenge the decision. The apex court had initially set aside the high court order and ordered it to hear the appeal filed by Saibaba again.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The Bombay High Court, on Tuesday (Mar 5) acquitted former Delhi University professor GN Saibaba and five others accused in the Maoist link case. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra state government moved the Supreme Court to challenge Bombay High Court’s verdict.

The Bombay High Court, on Tuesday (Mar 5) acquitted former Delhi University professor GN Saibaba and five others accused in the Maoist link case. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra state government moved the Supreme Court to challenge Bombay High Court’s verdict. What did the Bombay High Court say? The bench of the Bombay High Court comprising justices Vinay Joshi and Valmiki SA Menezes rejected the 2017 verdict by a sessions court in Maharashtra’s city of Nagpur which convicted Saibaba and others. The Bombay High Court acquitted GN Saibaba, Hem Mishra, Mahesh Tirkey, Vijay Tirkey, Narayan Sanglikar, Prashant Rahi and Pandu Narote (who died in 2022 due to swine flu). Also Read | Bengaluru prison radicalisation case: NIA launches 17 raids in 7 Indian states The six people had been arrested and convicted under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for alleged Maoist links and were accused of aiding and abetting Maoist activities in March 2017. However, the bench said it was acquitting all the accused in the case since the prosecution had failed to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt against them. The Bombay High Court said that the accused could be released from prison after paying a fine of Rs 50,000 (approx. $603). “The prosecution has failed to prove beyond reasonable doubt the case against the accused persons,” the high court said. It held as “null and void” the sanction procured by the prosecution to charge the accused under the anti-terror law, UAPA. The Bombay High Court also acquitted Saibaba, 54, and set aside the life sentence imposed on him noting that the prosecution failed to prove the case against the former Delhi University professor. The 54-year-old is wheelchair-bound due to physical disability and has been lodged in the Nagpur Central Jail since his arrest in relation to the case in 2014. Maharashtra govt to move the Supreme Court While the prosecution did not seek the high court to stay its order, the Maharashtra government, on Tuesday approached the Supreme Court to challenge the Bombay High Court verdict of acquitting all those accused in the case, reported news agency PTI. Also Read | Abhijit Gangopadhyay resigns as Calcutta high court judge, to join BJP The case stems from accusations against Saibaba and five others for alleged Maoist links and supposedly indulging in activities amounting to waging war against the country. The recent verdict comes after another bench of the high court acquitted Saibaba, in 2022, saying that the trial proceedings were “null and void” in the absence of a valid sanction under the UAPA. At the time, the Maharashtra government, on the same day, had moved the Supreme Court to challenge the decision. The apex court had initially set aside the high court order and ordered it to hear the appeal filed by Saibaba again. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Bombay High Court acquits Delhi University ex-professor Saibaba, 5 others in Maoist links case

Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar, who is considered the mastermind behind the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moose Wala, has been declared terrorist. Watch this video to know all about it.

Sidhu Moose Wala's murdered Goldy Brar designated as individual terrorist under UAPA by MHA

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<p>The Indian government on Monday (Jan 1) declared Canada-based Goldy Brar as a terrorist under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). According to a report by the news agency ANI, Brar was charged under the UAPA for his involvement in the smuggling of high-grade arms, ammunition, and explosive materials through drones from across the border and supplying thereon for carrying out killings and also providing sharpshooters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The home ministry's action (to charge Brar) comes while exercising the powers conferred by clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 35 of the UAPA. The ministry added his name as a 56th terrorist in the fourth schedule to the act, the report said.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Goldy Brar?</strong></h2>

<p>Goldy Brar, alias Satinderjit Singh, belongs to Punjab's Muktsar Sahib city. He is currently living in Canada's Brampton. Brar had been associated with the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi Gang. He is the mastermind behind the murder of rapper Sidhu Moosewala and has also been involved in many high-profile criminal cases.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch:&nbsp;Indian-origin gangs of Canada: Drugs, murders &amp; politics | DARK WORLD</strong></p>

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<p>According to the home ministry, Brar and his associates have been conspiring to disrupt peace, communal harmony, and law and order in Punjab through nefarious designs including sabotage, the raising of terror modules, carrying out targeted killings, and other anti-national activities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There have also been reports that Brar backs the Khalistan movement. However, he has denied this.</p>

<h2>Another Canada-based gangster declared terrorist by India</h2>

<p>A few days back, the Indian home ministry declared another Canada-based gangster <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-declares-canada-based-gangster-lakhbir-singh-landa-a-terrorist-under-uapa-674971">Lakhbir Singh Landa </a></strong>a terrorist under the UAPA. The ministry said that Landa was a member of the Babbar Khalsa International,&nbsp;which is listed as a terrorist organisation by New Delhi.</p>

<p>Landa was involved in a rocket attack on the Punjab Police Intelligence Headquarters in Mohali in 2021. He was also involved in various other criminal cases related to the raising of terror modules, extortion, and killings.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Indian government on Monday (Jan 1) declared Canada-based Goldy Brar as a terrorist under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). According to a report by the news agency ANI, Brar was charged under the UAPA for his involvement in the smuggling of high-grade arms, ammunition, and explosive materials through drones from across the border and supplying thereon for carrying out killings and also providing sharpshooters.

The Indian government on Monday (Jan 1) declared Canada-based Goldy Brar as a terrorist under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). According to a report by the news agency ANI, Brar was charged under the UAPA for his involvement in the smuggling of high-grade arms, ammunition, and explosive materials through drones from across the border and supplying thereon for carrying out killings and also providing sharpshooters. The home ministry's action (to charge Brar) comes while exercising the powers conferred by clause (a) of sub-section (1) of section 35 of the UAPA. The ministry added his name as a 56th terrorist in the fourth schedule to the act, the report said. Who is Goldy Brar? Goldy Brar, alias Satinderjit Singh, belongs to Punjab's Muktsar Sahib city. He is currently living in Canada's Brampton. Brar had been associated with the notorious Lawrence Bishnoi Gang. He is the mastermind behind the murder of rapper Sidhu Moosewala and has also been involved in many high-profile criminal cases. Also watch: Indian-origin gangs of Canada: Drugs, murders & politics | DARK WORLD × According to the home ministry, Brar and his associates have been conspiring to disrupt peace, communal harmony, and law and order in Punjab through nefarious designs including sabotage, the raising of terror modules, carrying out targeted killings, and other anti-national activities. There have also been reports that Brar backs the Khalistan movement. However, he has denied this. Another Canada-based gangster declared terrorist by India A few days back, the Indian home ministry declared another Canada-based gangster Lakhbir Singh Landa a terrorist under the UAPA. The ministry said that Landa was a member of the Babbar Khalsa International, which is listed as a terrorist organisation by New Delhi. Landa was involved in a rocket attack on the Punjab Police Intelligence Headquarters in Mohali in 2021. He was also involved in various other criminal cases related to the raising of terror modules, extortion, and killings. (With inputs from agencies)

India declares Canada-based gangster Goldy Brar a terrorist

<p>Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) designated Canada-based gangster, 33-year-old Lakhbir Singh Landa,&nbsp;a terrorist under the anti-terror Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).</p>

<p>According to Indian security agencies, Landa was involved in a rocket attack on the Punjab Police Intelligence Headquarters in Mohali in 2021, among other terrorist activities.</p>

<p>Earlier in September, India’s anti-terror National Investigation Agency (NIA) had announced a cash reward for information about five Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) operatives, including Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias "Rinda" and Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias "Landa".</p>

<p>BKI is a Khalistani militant organisation, currently active in the US, Canada, the UK, Belgium, France, Germany, Norway, Switzerland and Pakistan.</p>

<p>Indian investigators believe that Landa, along with others, had been engaged in recruiting new members of the BKI by promising them monetary benefits.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Lakhbir Singh Landa?</strong></h2>

<p>Originally from Tarn Taran in Punjab, Lakhbir Singh Landa is now reportedly residing in Alberta, Canada, having fled there in 2017, as per media reports.</p>

<p>A close associate of Harvinder Singh, a gangster-turned-terrorist based in Pakistan, Landa reportedly collaborated with the pro-Khalistan terrorist organisation 'BKI'.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;NIA, RAW, ATS &amp; IB all set to take on Khalistan terror elements amid India-Canada row</strong></p>

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<p>Landa faced his first legal trouble in July 2011 when he was registered for murder under the Arms Act at Harike Pattan. Since then, he has accumulated a total of 18 criminal cases, facing charges such as murder and drug smuggling.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/from-extortion-to-buying-fancy-yachts-this-is-how-khalistanis-funded-and-flourished-639044"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;From extortion, arms smuggling to buying fancy yachts, this is how Khalistanis invested funds and flourished</strong></a></p>

<p>Before he escaped to Canada, the Punjab Police had filed the last case against Landa, charging him with kidnapping in Moga.</p>

<p>According to certain media reports, Lakhbir Singh was identified as a primary conspirator in the Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) attack on the Punjab Police intelligence headquarters in Mohali.</p>

<p>Additionally, there are suspicions that Landa played a significant role in plotting the placement of an improvised explosive device (IED) beneath a sub-inspector's car in Amritsar.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) designated Canada-based gangster, 33-year-old Lakhbir Singh Landa, a terrorist under the anti-terror Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) designated Canada-based gangster, 33-year-old Lakhbir Singh Landa, a terrorist under the anti-terror Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). According to Indian security agencies, Landa was involved in a rocket attack on the Punjab Police Intelligence Headquarters in Mohali in 2021, among other terrorist activities. Earlier in September, India’s anti-terror National Investigation Agency (NIA) had announced a cash reward for information about five Babbar Khalsa International (BKI) operatives, including Harwinder Singh Sandhu alias "Rinda" and Lakhbir Singh Sandhu alias "Landa". BKI is a Khalistani militant organisation, currently active in the US, Canada, the UK, Belgium, France, Germany, Norway, Switzerland and Pakistan. Indian investigators believe that Landa, along with others, had been engaged in recruiting new members of the BKI by promising them monetary benefits. Who is Lakhbir Singh Landa? Originally from Tarn Taran in Punjab, Lakhbir Singh Landa is now reportedly residing in Alberta, Canada, having fled there in 2017, as per media reports. A close associate of Harvinder Singh, a gangster-turned-terrorist based in Pakistan, Landa reportedly collaborated with the pro-Khalistan terrorist organisation 'BKI'. Watch: NIA, RAW, ATS & IB all set to take on Khalistan terror elements amid India-Canada row × Landa faced his first legal trouble in July 2011 when he was registered for murder under the Arms Act at Harike Pattan. Since then, he has accumulated a total of 18 criminal cases, facing charges such as murder and drug smuggling. Also read: From extortion, arms smuggling to buying fancy yachts, this is how Khalistanis invested funds and flourished Before he escaped to Canada, the Punjab Police had filed the last case against Landa, charging him with kidnapping in Moga. According to certain media reports, Lakhbir Singh was identified as a primary conspirator in the Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) attack on the Punjab Police intelligence headquarters in Mohali. Additionally, there are suspicions that Landa played a significant role in plotting the placement of an improvised explosive device (IED) beneath a sub-inspector's car in Amritsar. (With inputs from agencies)

India declares Canada-based gangster Lakhbir Singh Landa a terrorist under UAPA

<p>The Indian government on Wednesday (Dec 27) declared the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction)&nbsp;(MLJK-MA) as an 'unlawful association' under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) for "supporting terrorist activities and inciting people to establish Islamic rule" in Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The announcement has been implemented with immediate effect and is for the next five years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Union Home Ministry said that the organisation and its members are involved in anti-national and secessionist activities in J&amp;K.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The organisation is led by Masarat Alam, interim chairman of the hardline faction of the All India Hurriyat Conference. MLJK-MA is known for its anti-India and pro-Pakistan propaganda.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-home-minister-amit-shah-reiterates-no-one-can-stop-implementation-of-caa-674070">Indian Home Minister Amit Shah reiterates 'no one can stop' implementation of CAA</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Union Minister Amit Shah posted on X: "The 'Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction)'/MLJK-MA is declared as an 'Unlawful Association' under UAPA."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This organisation and its members are involved in anti-national and secessionist activities in J-K, supporting terrorist activities and inciting people to establish Islamic rule in Jammu and Kashmir," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a notification claiming that there had been several inputs which showed linkages of the MLJK-MA with banned organisations.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-army-will-wipe-out-terrorism-from-jammu-and-kashmir-says-rajnath-singh-674017">Indian Army will wipe out terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir, says defence minister Rajnath Singh</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The ‘Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction)’/MLJK-MA is declared as an 'Unlawful Association' under UAPA.<br />
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This organization and its members are involved in anti-national and secessionist activities in J&amp;K supporting terrorist activities and inciting people to…</p>
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<p>"In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967), the Central Government hereby declares the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) as an unlawful association with immediate effect for a period of five years," the notification read.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shah further said on social media that that anyone acting against India's unity, sovereignty and integrity will not be spared.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The PM @narendramodi government's message is loud and clear that anyone acting against the unity, sovereignty, and integrity of our nation will not be spared and will face the full wrath of the law," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The Indian government on Wednesday (Dec 27) declared the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) (MLJK-MA) as an 'unlawful association' under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) for "supporting terrorist activities and inciting people to establish Islamic rule" in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).

The Indian government on Wednesday (Dec 27) declared the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) (MLJK-MA) as an 'unlawful association' under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) for "supporting terrorist activities and inciting people to establish Islamic rule" in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). The announcement has been implemented with immediate effect and is for the next five years. The Union Home Ministry said that the organisation and its members are involved in anti-national and secessionist activities in J&K. The organisation is led by Masarat Alam, interim chairman of the hardline faction of the All India Hurriyat Conference. MLJK-MA is known for its anti-India and pro-Pakistan propaganda. Also read: Indian Home Minister Amit Shah reiterates 'no one can stop' implementation of CAA Union Minister Amit Shah posted on X: "The 'Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction)'/MLJK-MA is declared as an 'Unlawful Association' under UAPA." "This organisation and its members are involved in anti-national and secessionist activities in J-K, supporting terrorist activities and inciting people to establish Islamic rule in Jammu and Kashmir," he added. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a notification claiming that there had been several inputs which showed linkages of the MLJK-MA with banned organisations. Also read: Indian Army will wipe out terrorism from Jammu and Kashmir, says defence minister Rajnath Singh The ‘Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction)’/MLJK-MA is declared as an 'Unlawful Association' under UAPA. This organization and its members are involved in anti-national and secessionist activities in J&K supporting terrorist activities and inciting people to… — Amit Shah (@AmitShah) December 27, 2023 × "In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (37 of 1967), the Central Government hereby declares the Muslim League Jammu Kashmir (Masarat Alam faction) as an unlawful association with immediate effect for a period of five years," the notification read. Shah further said on social media that that anyone acting against India's unity, sovereignty and integrity will not be spared. "The PM @narendramodi government's message is loud and clear that anyone acting against the unity, sovereignty, and integrity of our nation will not be spared and will face the full wrath of the law," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

India declares Muslim League Jammu Kashmir an ‘unlawful association’

<p>Indian author Arundhati Roy may face up to seven years in prison after the Lieutenant Governor of India's national capital Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena, directed Delhi Police to prosecute Roy and one other in connection with a 2010 event that allegedly promoted a call for India's territorial break-up.</p>

<p>Arundhati Roy, the author of 'God of Small Things', which won her the Booker&nbsp;Prize in 1997, and a former Kashmir University professor are accused of delivering provocative speeches in public.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/trending/7-must-read-books-by-indian-women-authors-1687851057724">7 Must-Read Books by Indian Women Authors</a></strong></p>

<p>Delhi LG found a prima facie case against Roy and Sheikh Showkat Hussain under Sections 153A, 153B, and 505 of the Indian Penal Code. This permission was granted under Section 196 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which requires state authorisation for such prosecutions.</p>

<p>Section 13 of the UAPA deals with punishment for unlawful activities for advocating, abetting or inciting any unlawful activity and is punishable with imprisonment for up to seven years.</p>

<h2><strong>What is the case about?</strong></h2>

<p>According to a First Information Report registered at a New Delhi police station in November 2010, Roy and Hussain, among others, delivered provocative speeches at a conference organised by the Committee for Release of Political Prisoners under the banner of "Azadi – The Only Way" (Freedom, the only way) on October 21, 2010.</p>

<p>Two other accused, Kashmiri separatist leader Sayed Ali Shah Geelani and Syed Abdul Rahman Geelani, passed away during the case's pendency.</p>

<p>Although the police also charged Roy and others under sedition laws, a decision on Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code is pending in the Supreme Court.</p>

<h2><strong>Charges against Arundhati Roy and one other</strong></h2>

<p>Delhi Police sought prosecution of Roy and Hussain under Sections 153A, 153B, 504, 505 of the Indian Penal Code, and Section 13 of the UAPA. However, permission was granted only for three of the IPC provisions.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India seizes J&amp;K-based properties of 4,000 fugitive terrorists in Pakistan and PoK</strong></p>

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<p>Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code pertains to promoting enmity between different groups on the basis of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to harmony.</p>

<p>Section 153B deals with imputations and assertions prejudicial to national integration, while Section 505 pertains to intentional insult with the intent to provoke a breach of the peace.</p>

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Indian author Arundhati Roy may face up to seven years in prison after the Lieutenant Governor of India's national capital Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena, directed Delhi Police to prosecute Roy and one other in connection with a 2010 event that allegedly promoted a call for India's territorial break-up.

Indian author Arundhati Roy may face up to seven years in prison after the Lieutenant Governor of India's national capital Delhi, Vinai Kumar Saxena, directed Delhi Police to prosecute Roy and one other in connection with a 2010 event that allegedly promoted a call for India's territorial break-up. Arundhati Roy, the author of 'God of Small Things', which won her the Booker Prize in 1997, and a former Kashmir University professor are accused of delivering provocative speeches in public. Also read | 7 Must-Read Books by Indian Women Authors Delhi LG found a prima facie case against Roy and Sheikh Showkat Hussain under Sections 153A, 153B, and 505 of the Indian Penal Code. This permission was granted under Section 196 of the Criminal Procedure Code, which requires state authorisation for such prosecutions. Section 13 of the UAPA deals with punishment for unlawful activities for advocating, abetting or inciting any unlawful activity and is punishable with imprisonment for up to seven years. What is the case about? According to a First Information Report registered at a New Delhi police station in November 2010, Roy and Hussain, among others, delivered provocative speeches at a conference organised by the Committee for Release of Political Prisoners under the banner of "Azadi – The Only Way" (Freedom, the only way) on October 21, 2010. Two other accused, Kashmiri separatist leader Sayed Ali Shah Geelani and Syed Abdul Rahman Geelani, passed away during the case's pendency. Although the police also charged Roy and others under sedition laws, a decision on Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code is pending in the Supreme Court. Charges against Arundhati Roy and one other Delhi Police sought prosecution of Roy and Hussain under Sections 153A, 153B, 504, 505 of the Indian Penal Code, and Section 13 of the UAPA. However, permission was granted only for three of the IPC provisions. Also watch | India seizes J&K-based properties of 4,000 fugitive terrorists in Pakistan and PoK × Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code pertains to promoting enmity between different groups on the basis of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to harmony. Section 153B deals with imputations and assertions prejudicial to national integration, while Section 505 pertains to intentional insult with the intent to provoke a breach of the peace. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Arundhati Roy may face up to 7 years in prison for allegedly supporting calls for India's disintegration

India has banned the Popular Front of India (PFI) for five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The Ministry of Home Affairs issued a gazette banning the PFI after the second nationwide rage on the outfit.

India bans radical outfit, Popular Front of India, for five years

<p>Jammu and Kashmir Police has decided to seize the properties of those people who are involved in providing shelter to the terrorists. The police will attach immovable properties used for terror activities under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). &nbsp;</p>

<p>The attachments being done are for properties where it has been proved beyond doubt that the house owner or member had wilfully provided shelter/ harboured terrorists, in most cases for days together and that it was not done under any duress whatsoever.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''We will seize all the properties of the people, wherever there is an encounter, or is being used as a hideout or are harbouring the terrorists, their property will be seized, '' said Vijay Kumar, IG Kashmir Police.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Legal action will be supplemented by property attachments as per sections 2(g) &amp; 25 of the ULP Act. The police has said that decision regarding enforcement of these sections of law is due to the fact that many supporters of terrorism are wilfully providing safe havens to terrorists who conduct attacks on civilians and security forces in Srinagar City.</p>

<p>In a recent encounter that took place in Srinagar's Bishember Nagar, JK Police said that they will seize the property of the owner in whose house the terrorists were hiding.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''Yes, we will seize the property in today's encounter,'' said Vijay Kumar, IG Kashmir Police.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-pakistan-based-let-terrorists-killed-in-srinagar-encounter-470001" hreflang="en">Two Pakistan-based LeT terrorists killed in Srinagar encounter</a></strong></p>

<p>The Jammu and Kashmir Police has also said that if there is a 'forceful entry' of terrorists into any house or other structure, the house owner or any other member claiming duress should timely inform the authorities about the same, as many provisions for hiding identity of such informant are available under law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the politicians in the valley have criticised the step taken by the JK Police. Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti has called the step completely wrong.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''It's completely wrong. This is like punishing the whole community . If you have to fight the militants, fight them but what's with punishing the locals for it. '' said Mehbooba Mufti, Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Jammu and Kashmir Police has said that there will be zero tolerance towards terror.&nbsp;</p>


Jammu and Kashmir Police has decided to seize the properties of those people who are involved in providing shelter to the terrorists. The police will attach immovable properties used for terror activities under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Jammu and Kashmir Police has decided to seize the properties of those people who are involved in providing shelter to the terrorists. The police will attach immovable properties used for terror activities under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The attachments being done are for properties where it has been proved beyond doubt that the house owner or member had wilfully provided shelter/ harboured terrorists, in most cases for days together and that it was not done under any duress whatsoever. ''We will seize all the properties of the people, wherever there is an encounter, or is being used as a hideout or are harbouring the terrorists, their property will be seized, '' said Vijay Kumar, IG Kashmir Police. Legal action will be supplemented by property attachments as per sections 2(g) & 25 of the ULP Act. The police has said that decision regarding enforcement of these sections of law is due to the fact that many supporters of terrorism are wilfully providing safe havens to terrorists who conduct attacks on civilians and security forces in Srinagar City. In a recent encounter that took place in Srinagar's Bishember Nagar, JK Police said that they will seize the property of the owner in whose house the terrorists were hiding. ''Yes, we will seize the property in today's encounter,'' said Vijay Kumar, IG Kashmir Police. Also read | Two Pakistan-based LeT terrorists killed in Srinagar encounter The Jammu and Kashmir Police has also said that if there is a 'forceful entry' of terrorists into any house or other structure, the house owner or any other member claiming duress should timely inform the authorities about the same, as many provisions for hiding identity of such informant are available under law. However, the politicians in the valley have criticised the step taken by the JK Police. Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti has called the step completely wrong. ''It's completely wrong. This is like punishing the whole community . If you have to fight the militants, fight them but what's with punishing the locals for it. '' said Mehbooba Mufti, Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir. The Jammu and Kashmir Police has said that there will be zero tolerance towards terror.

Jammu and Kashmir: Police to seize property of those harbouring terrorists

<p>A special court on Wednesday convicted four people in connection with the 2008 Jaipur bomb blasts case.</p>

<p>The four were convicted under different sections of the law, including the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/uapa-bill-that-gives-government-power-to-declare-individuals-as-terrorists-passed-by-indian-parliament-240166">Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act</a> (UAPA).</p>

<p>Mohammad Saif, Salman, Mohammad Sarwar Azmi, and Saiffurrehman were convicted by the court while it acquitted one accused named Shahbaz.</p>

<p>Close to eighty persons were killed and more than 183 were injured in the Jaipur bomb blasts when eight explosions took place on May 13, 2008.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


A special court on Wednesday convicted four people in connection with the 2008 Jaipur bomb blasts case. The four were convicted under different sections of the law, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

A special court on Wednesday convicted four people in connection with the 2008 Jaipur bomb blasts case. The four were convicted under different sections of the law, including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). Mohammad Saif, Salman, Mohammad Sarwar Azmi, and Saiffurrehman were convicted by the court while it acquitted one accused named Shahbaz. Close to eighty persons were killed and more than 183 were injured in the Jaipur bomb blasts when eight explosions took place on May 13, 2008.

Special Court convicts 4 in 2008 Jaipur bomb blast case

<p>The United States on Thursday lauded India's move to declared four Pakistan-based individuals, including Mumbai terror attack mastermind and Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed, as terrorists under the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-designates-hafiz-saeed-3-other-individuals-as-terrorist-under-amended-uapa-act-247590">amended Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2019.</a></p>

<p>In a tweet, the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA), United States said that the new law "expands possibilities for joint #USIndia efforts to combat scourge of terrorism".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We stand w/ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> &amp; commend it for utilizing new legal authorities to designate 4 notorious terrorists: Maulana Masood Azhar, Hafiz Saeed, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi &amp; Dawood Ibrahim. This new law expands possibilities for joint <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/USIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#USIndia</a> efforts to combat scourge of terrorism. AGW</p>
— State_SCA (@State_SCA) <a href="https://twitter.com/State_SCA/status/1169349352827105281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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<p>"We stand w/ #India &amp; commend it for utilizing new legal authorities to designate 4 notorious terrorists: Maulana Masood Azhar, Hafiz Saeed, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi &amp; Dawood Ibrahim. This new law expands possibilities for joint #USIndia efforts to combat scourge of terrorism," the tweet read.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The government on Wednesday declared four Pakistan-based individuals, including Mumbai terror attack mastermind and Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed, as terrorists under the amended unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2019, reported news agency ANI.</p>

<p>Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar, Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and underworld don Dawood Ibrahim are the other individuals who have been designated as terrorist.</p>

<p>Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar have already been declared global terrorists by the United States, United Nations and European Union.</p>

<p>The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act, which was passed by the Parliament last month, allows the Centre and States to designate individuals as terrorists and seize their property.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Under the earlier law, only organisations could be designated as terrorist outfits and not individuals.</p>


The United States on Thursday lauded India's move to declared four Pakistan-based individuals, including Mumbai terror attack mastermind and Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed, as terrorists under the amended Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2019.

The United States on Thursday lauded India's move to declared four Pakistan-based individuals, including Mumbai terror attack mastermind and Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed, as terrorists under the amended Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2019. In a tweet, the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs (SCA), United States said that the new law "expands possibilities for joint #USIndia efforts to combat scourge of terrorism". We stand w/ #India & commend it for utilizing new legal authorities to designate 4 notorious terrorists: Maulana Masood Azhar, Hafiz Saeed, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi & Dawood Ibrahim. This new law expands possibilities for joint #USIndia efforts to combat scourge of terrorism. AGW — State_SCA (@State_SCA) September 4, 2019 × "We stand w/ #India & commend it for utilizing new legal authorities to designate 4 notorious terrorists: Maulana Masood Azhar, Hafiz Saeed, Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi & Dawood Ibrahim. This new law expands possibilities for joint #USIndia efforts to combat scourge of terrorism," the tweet read. The government on Wednesday declared four Pakistan-based individuals, including Mumbai terror attack mastermind and Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed, as terrorists under the amended unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 2019, reported news agency ANI. Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar, Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi and underworld don Dawood Ibrahim are the other individuals who have been designated as terrorist. Hafiz Saeed and Masood Azhar have already been declared global terrorists by the United States, United Nations and European Union. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act, which was passed by the Parliament last month, allows the Centre and States to designate individuals as terrorists and seize their property. Under the earlier law, only organisations could be designated as terrorist outfits and not individuals.

It expands our efforts to combat terrorism: US lauds India on declaring Saeed, others as terrorists under new law

<p>It is only recently that I noticed that primetime debates on TV have now become &#39;superprimetime&#39;. There is more frothing and foaming, more hot air and histrionics. And what better topic for such super-frothing than Kashmir (and by extension &#39;Pakistani-hand&#39;, &#39;proxy war&#39;)! Also, I hear now, watching this spectacle has become a habit for many Kashmiris as they watch Timesnow&#39;s &quot;The Newshour&quot; at dinner time.</p>

<p>In one such superprimetime show, something interesting happened. News was pouring in that Major Gogoi had been hailed as a hero by the Army, and Defence Minister Jaitley defended and lauded the army, placing it above the scrutiny of Parliament. Reacting to this, the Kashmiri speaker on the show says, &#39;you have done countless atrocities on us and hence Kashmiris do not expect any justice from you. Nor did they expect anything good from Major Gogoi&#39;.</p>

<p>The anchor asks: &#39;who is this &#39;you&#39;, are you not an Indian? Tell us, do you hold an Indian passport or not?&#39;</p>

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<h5>The anchor asks: &#39;who is this &#39;you&#39;, are you not an Indian? Tell us, do you hold an Indian passport or not?&#39;</h5>
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<p>For some reason, this question about passport seems to backfoot the two Kashmiris as they now look somewhat frazzled. The anchor hollers again: &#39;Holding an Indian passport, how can you attack this country?&#39; The pronouncement is made: &#39;You are hypocritical. You Kashmiris want the benefits of being an Indian, you take money and resources, but you attack India - such a hypocrite.&#39;</p>

<p>The two Kashmiri panelists persist in outlining the horrors committed by the Indian army, but then the anchor, thinking she has found the best way to corner these Kashmiris, repeats the same question: &#39;Tell us, you are an Indian or not? Which passport do you carry?&#39;</p>

<p>But then this time, things turn around.</p>

<p>To start with, the &#39;are you Indian?&#39; did not go unanswered. The response was: &#39;I am a Kashmiri&#39;. No reference to India, or &lsquo;Indian&rsquo;. Then when needled further: &#39;I am a Kashmiri, first and last&#39;. Then, &#39;I am a proud Kashmiri, first and last&#39;. This is when something interesting happened.</p>

<p>Instead of an answer, the Kashmiri panelist threw a counter-question: &#39;are you a gau rakshak?&#39; He turned the screw further: &#39;you tell me first, are you a gau rakshak, and then I will reply to you if I am an Indian.&#39; This was a major turning point in the debate.</p>

<p>The other panelists soon started fumbling, and the Kashmiri panelists then walked out of the debate. The anchor kept repeating, &#39;this debate is not about gau rakshaks, please let us not trivialise the debate - it is about Major Gogoi...&#39;</p>

<p>That one question changed everything.</p>

<p>What happened was that the claim of an expansive Indian citizenship or identity which has been benevolently extended to the &#39;hypocritical&#39;, &#39;ungrateful&#39; Kashmiris fell flat. The Kashmiri was able to force out the truth of the &#39;Indian First&#39; rhetoric. The only &#39;true Indian&#39; is the gau rakshak. So, first the Indian must denounce gau rakshaks, say you are not one of them, then we can perhaps talk. Otherwise, if the Indian is a gau rakshak, then every Kashmiri might very well be a stone-pelter.</p>

<p>So I, the Kashmiri, might be holding the Indian passport, but that is my tragedy, my condition, as I am being forced to fit into a citizenship modeled on the ethos and values of a gau rakshak - notwithstanding your secular, democratic constitution and suchlike tall declarations by Modi and whoever is in power. Hence I better remain what you accuse me of - a stone pelter.</p>

<p>India&#39;s pride of being a democracy, unlike &#39;sectarian Pakistan&#39; which has &#39;no place for minorities&#39;, stood undermined. That question implies an equivalence between Pakistan and India - the last thing the Indian nationalist wants. The nationalist Indian wants to be seen upholding the supposedly non-sectarian notion of &#39;we are Indians first&#39; while he secretly nurtures and cultivates the gau rakshak.</p>

<p>But what if the Indian is not a gau rakshak? Does Kashmir then want to be part of secular India?</p>

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<h5>Gandhi exclaimed: &#39;Sir Akbar is wrong. I will ask them to shoot me first, before one Naga is shot!&#39;&quot;</h5>
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<p>And here we can only recall Mahatma Gandhi&#39;s promise to the Nagas. Phizo, the Naga leader, tells us that Gandhi told him in 1947 that the Nagas are totally free not to be part of India. Gandhi said, &quot;If you do not wish to join the union of India, nobody will force you to do that. When the Naga delegates pointed out that the Governor, Sir Akbar Hydari was threatening to do exactly that, Gandhi exclaimed: &#39;Sir Akbar is wrong. I will ask them to shoot me first, before one Naga is shot!&#39;&quot;</p>

<p>Gandhi&#39;s promise not only remained unfulfilled, but his last sentence uncannily became a prediction of what was to come: the killing of Gandhi himself and (then) of Nagas, Kashmiris, and also of rebel peasants of Telangana (1948-50) by the newly independent secular democratic Indian republic under Nehru. The saga continues, from Nehru to Modi. Do we see a Congresss-BJP continuum at this level?&nbsp;</p>

<p>Do we see the secular nationalist and communal nationalist sharing something like the same &lsquo;deep state&rsquo; when it comes to separatist movements? UAPA, POTA, TADA, AFSPA are like the continuing inner heartbeat of Indian democracy, connecting all political parties and the respective governments in one common thread.</p>

<p>No matter what the ideological orientation of the regime, allowing the creation of another nation-state is an absolute no-no. This is common to India and Pakistan, as well as to Spain (the Basque), Russia&rsquo;s attitude towards Chechnya, or Turkey&rsquo;s towards Kurdistan today. If at all new nation-states are formed, like in the case of ex-Yugoslavia, the process seems inseparable from Balkanisation, another horror.</p>

<p>Perhaps the formation of East Timor in 1999 or Kosovo in 2008 was an exception. What this shows is those different variations of the &#39;gau rakshak model&#39;, or of the same sadness-inducing deep state across regimes seem to dominate almost every country. The world cries like a river.</p>


No matter what the ideological orientation of the regime, allowing the creation of another nation-state is an absolute no-no.

It is only recently that I noticed that primetime debates on TV have now become 'superprimetime'. There is more frothing and foaming, more hot air and histrionics. And what better topic for such super-frothing than Kashmir (and by extension 'Pakistani-hand', 'proxy war')! Also, I hear now, watching this spectacle has become a habit for many Kashmiris as they watch Timesnow's "The Newshour" at dinner time. In one such superprimetime show, something interesting happened. News was pouring in that Major Gogoi had been hailed as a hero by the Army, and Defence Minister Jaitley defended and lauded the army, placing it above the scrutiny of Parliament. Reacting to this, the Kashmiri speaker on the show says, 'you have done countless atrocities on us and hence Kashmiris do not expect any justice from you. Nor did they expect anything good from Major Gogoi'. The anchor asks: 'who is this 'you', are you not an Indian? Tell us, do you hold an Indian passport or not?' The anchor asks: 'who is this 'you', are you not an Indian? Tell us, do you hold an Indian passport or not?' × For some reason, this question about passport seems to backfoot the two Kashmiris as they now look somewhat frazzled. The anchor hollers again: 'Holding an Indian passport, how can you attack this country?' The pronouncement is made: 'You are hypocritical. You Kashmiris want the benefits of being an Indian, you take money and resources, but you attack India - such a hypocrite.' The two Kashmiri panelists persist in outlining the horrors committed by the Indian army, but then the anchor, thinking she has found the best way to corner these Kashmiris, repeats the same question: 'Tell us, you are an Indian or not? Which passport do you carry?' But then this time, things turn around. To start with, the 'are you Indian?' did not go unanswered. The response was: 'I am a Kashmiri'. No reference to India, or ‘Indian’. Then when needled further: 'I am a Kashmiri, first and last'. Then, 'I am a proud Kashmiri, first and last'. This is when something interesting happened. Instead of an answer, the Kashmiri panelist threw a counter-question: 'are you a gau rakshak?' He turned the screw further: 'you tell me first, are you a gau rakshak, and then I will reply to you if I am an Indian.' This was a major turning point in the debate. The other panelists soon started fumbling, and the Kashmiri panelists then walked out of the debate. The anchor kept repeating, 'this debate is not about gau rakshaks, please let us not trivialise the debate - it is about Major Gogoi...' That one question changed everything. What happened was that the claim of an expansive Indian citizenship or identity which has been benevolently extended to the 'hypocritical', 'ungrateful' Kashmiris fell flat. The Kashmiri was able to force out the truth of the 'Indian First' rhetoric. The only 'true Indian' is the gau rakshak. So, first the Indian must denounce gau rakshaks, say you are not one of them, then we can perhaps talk. Otherwise, if the Indian is a gau rakshak, then every Kashmiri might very well be a stone-pelter. So I, the Kashmiri, might be holding the Indian passport, but that is my tragedy, my condition, as I am being forced to fit into a citizenship modeled on the ethos and values of a gau rakshak - notwithstanding your secular, democratic constitution and suchlike tall declarations by Modi and whoever is in power. Hence I better remain what you accuse me of - a stone pelter. India's pride of being a democracy, unlike 'sectarian Pakistan' which has 'no place for minorities', stood undermined. That question implies an equivalence between Pakistan and India - the last thing the Indian nationalist wants. The nationalist Indian wants to be seen upholding the supposedly non-sectarian notion of 'we are Indians first' while he secretly nurtures and cultivates the gau rakshak. But what if the Indian is not a gau rakshak? Does Kashmir then want to be part of secular India? Gandhi exclaimed: 'Sir Akbar is wrong. I will ask them to shoot me first, before one Naga is shot!'" × And here we can only recall Mahatma Gandhi's promise to the Nagas. Phizo, the Naga leader, tells us that Gandhi told him in 1947 that the Nagas are totally free not to be part of India. Gandhi said, "If you do not wish to join the union of India, nobody will force you to do that. When the Naga delegates pointed out that the Governor, Sir Akbar Hydari was threatening to do exactly that, Gandhi exclaimed: 'Sir Akbar is wrong. I will ask them to shoot me first, before one Naga is shot!'" Gandhi's promise not only remained unfulfilled, but his last sentence uncannily became a prediction of what was to come: the killing of Gandhi himself and (then) of Nagas, Kashmiris, and also of rebel peasants of Telangana (1948-50) by the newly independent secular democratic Indian republic under Nehru. The saga continues, from Nehru to Modi. Do we see a Congresss-BJP continuum at this level? Do we see the secular nationalist and communal nationalist sharing something like the same ‘deep state’ when it comes to separatist movements? UAPA, POTA, TADA, AFSPA are like the continuing inner heartbeat of Indian democracy, connecting all political parties and the respective governments in one common thread. No matter what the ideological orientation of the regime, allowing the creation of another nation-state is an absolute no-no. This is common to India and Pakistan, as well as to Spain (the Basque), Russia’s attitude towards Chechnya, or Turkey’s towards Kurdistan today. If at all new nation-states are formed, like in the case of ex-Yugoslavia, the process seems inseparable from Balkanisation, another horror. Perhaps the formation of East Timor in 1999 or Kosovo in 2008 was an exception. What this shows is those different variations of the 'gau rakshak model', or of the same sadness-inducing deep state across regimes seem to dominate almost every country. The world cries like a river.

The challenges of being an Indian

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