Zakir Naik’s IRF propagated terrorism, separatism, says Amit Shah

The Centre has extended the ban on Zakir Naik-led Islamic Research Foundation by five years. Home Minister Amit Shah said the organisation propagated terrorism and separatism, instigated unrest and fomented communal discord, citing national security concerns

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), led by fugitive preacher Zakir Naik, had been found propagating an ideology of terrorism and separatism, instigating violent unrest, encouraging the regrouping of absconding terrorists and fomenting communal discord. The allegations prompted the extension of the ban on the organisation by five years.

In a post on X, Shah said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had extended the ban on the IRF as an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “zero tolerance” towards terrorism and anti-national activities.

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“Led by fugitive terror preacher Dr Zakir Naik, the organisation has been involved in sinister anti-India designs, including inciting communal hatred and promoting terrorism,” he said.

“In steadfast adherence to PM Shri @narendramodi Ji’s vision of zero tolerance towards terrorism and anti-national activities, MHA extends the ban on the Islamic Research Foundation as an unlawful association under the UAPA,” he said.

Shah said the organisation was propagating a “venomous ideology” of terrorism and separatism, instigating violent unrest, encouraging the regrouping of absconding terrorists and fomenting communal discord.

The Union Home Ministry extended the ban on the IRF for another five years, stating that the organisation had been indulging in activities prejudicial to the country’s security and had the potential to disturb peace and communal harmony.

The ministry invoked the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of Section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, to declare the IRF an unlawful association. The declaration was upheld by the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Tribunal, according to a gazette notification.

The earlier ban was due to expire on November 14.