Block social media accounts, websites of PFI, orders Centre
After imposing a five-year ban on the Popular Front of India (PFI) for its terror links, the Home Ministry on September 28 ordered to block the social media accounts and websites of the outfit and its eight affiliates. The decision is being taken to prevent PFI and its affiliates from propagating their activities.
Social media accounts including, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram accounts, YouTube channels, or any other online presence of PFI and its affiliates such as National Confederation of Human Rights Organization (NCHRO), Rehab India Foundation (RIF), All India Imams Council (AIIC), Campus Front of India (CFI), National Women’s Front, Junior Front, Empower India Foundation and Rehab Foundation (Kerala) will be permanently blocked and the content will be removed from the internet.
Same directions have been sent to social media companies like Facebook and Twitter to take down the accounts and contents related to PFI.
After the Centre’s order, the PFI is declared an ‘unlawful association', which means that the outfit cannot issue any press statements. The WhatsApp accounts linked to PFI, CFI, RIF, and other affiliates will also be monitored and action will be taken against any anti-national activity. Additionally, any proxy account linked to PFI and its associates will also be blocked.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday night made the announcement through a notification declaring "the PFI and its associates or affiliates or fronts as an unlawful association with immediate effect".
Along with PFI, the ban was also imposed on its fronts including Rehab India Foundation (RIF). Campus Front of India (CFI), All India Imams Council (AIIC), National Confederation of Human Rights Organization (NCHRO), National Women's Front, Junior Front, Empower India Foundation and Rehab Foundation, Kerala as an "unlawful association".
The National Investigation Agency, Enforcement Directorate and the state police forces jointly coordinated searches at the houses and offices of the PFI leaders and members across India.
Searches were conducted at 93 locations in 15 states of India in which over 100 activists of the Popular Front of India (PFI) were arrested.
First published: 28 September 2022, 14:33 IST