Assam CM welcomes ban on PFI, says disruptive design against India will be dealt with iron fist

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on September 28 reacted on the Central Government’s decision to ban the Popular Front of India (PFI) outfit and its affiliate organisations for their terror links. Welcoming the decision, he said that the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is ‘decisive and bold’.

He further asserted that the Central Government will deal firmly with anyone with a ‘divisive or disruptive design’ against India.

"I welcome the ban on (Popular Front of India) PFI by the Government of India," the chief minister tweeted Wednesday."

"The government is firm in its resolve to ensure that anyone with a diabolical, divisive or disruptive design against India shall be dealt with iron fist. India of Modi Era is Decisive and Bold," Sarma wrote.

Meanwhile, following the ban on PFI, the Assam Police is on high alert. All the district police stations have been directed to keep watch on any activity of the outfit and other affiliated organisations.

The Assam police have claimed that they have arrested several members of the PFI across the state.

On Tuesday, the Union Home Ministry had declared the Popular Front of India (PFI) and its associates or affiliates or fronts as an unlawful association with immediate effect for five years, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

The notification said PFI and its associates or affiliates or fronts have been indulging in unlawful activities, which are prejudicial to the integrity, sovereignty and security of the country and have the potential to disturb public peace and communal harmony of the country and support militancy in the country.

Searches were conducted at 93 locations in 15 states of India where over 100 activists of the PFI were arrested. Assam police on Tuesday arrested 25 PFI leaders, members from eight districts of the state. Hiren Nath, ADGP (Special Branch) of Assam Police told ANI that several people have been detained by police in various districts.