The Yasin Malik-led Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) was banned on March 22 by the Union government under various provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for alleged promotion of secessionist activities in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

Malik is under arrest and at present lodged in Jammu’s Kot Balwal jail.

Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba said the JKLF had been banned as the government had a policy of zero tolerance against terrorism. “The JKLF was at the forefront of separatist activities in J&K, and was responsible for murders of Kashmiri Pandits in 1989 triggering their exodus.”

This is the second organisation in Jammu and Kashmir to be banned this month. Earlier, the Centre banned the Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir.