The Ministry of Home Affairs declared the organisation an unlawful association to prevent activities prejudicial to national security.
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Friday extended the ban on the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) for another five years. According to The Hindu, the MHA invoked the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) to declare the organisation, founded by Zakir Naik, an unlawful association.
The notification comes a day before the existing ban was due to lapse on November 14. The IRF was first declared an unlawful association in 2016 and the prohibition was extended in 2021.
The MHA stated that the IRF has been involved in activities prejudicial to the security of the country with the potential to disturb peace and communal harmony. The ministry noted that the organisation has been propagating a venomous ideology of terrorism and separatism.
The government said that the IRF and its members, particularly founder and president Dr Zakir Abdul Karim Naik, have been encouraging followers to promote disharmony or feelings of enmity between religious groups. The MHA added that Naik's speeches are objectionable and subversive, reaching millions via satellite TV, the internet, and social media.
The ministry contended that if the IRF's activities are not controlled immediately, the group will continue subversive activities and re-organise absconding activists. This could disrupt the secular fabric of the country and escalate secessionism by supporting militancy.
Naik left India in 2016 and has been granted permanent residency by Malaysia. While India has sought his extradition, Malaysia has yet to comply with the request.
