Al Haqeeqa
Popular Front of India (PFI) a name which resonates whenever there is a violent activity in India involving Muslims, directly or indirectly. The incidents cover a wide range of criminal spectrum including murder, kidnapping, political killings, money laundering, terrorism etc. Police and other investigation agencies have declared this organisation as dangerous and harmful to the unity and integrity of India. However, the PFI leadership through its well-oiled social media army has been claiming themselves as victims of political conspiracy. Whenever there is a police action against the organisation or the leadership, they play the Muslim victimization card.
Premier investigation agency of India- National Investigation Agency (NIA) is currently investigating various cases on PFI whose details can be easily accessed through its website https://www.nia.gov.in/ . NIA registered a case in 2010 against 13 persons for chopping of hand of one T.J. Joseph with an axe. On Jan 20, 2016, a group of 21 persons belonging to PFI/SDPI were convicted 5-7 years imprisonment for imparting trainings to some youths for using weapons/explosives with an intention to prepare them for terrorist activities. Another case was registered by NIA on October 1, 2016 against 8 persons in Kerala and TamilNadu for conspiring to eliminate certain prominent persons and target places of public prominence. While investigating ISIS – Abu Dhabi Module, NIA registered a case on January 28, 2016 against 3 Muslims for their involvement in radicalising, recruiting and training Indian citizens located in India and abroad for planning and executing terrorist attacks. On March 7, 2019, NIA registered a case against District Secretary, PFI for his involvement in a case of murder of one Ramalingam. On July 1, 2017, NIA registered a case against one ISIS operative namely Shahjahan, r/o Kerala for visiting Turkey/Syria to carry out terrorist activities after procuring an Indian passport in the fake name of Mohammed Ismail Mohideen.
There is a famous saying- “Data speaks for itself”. Contrary to the claim of PFI, the organisation has been found to be involved in a number of cases which are not only criminal in nature but also detrimental to the security and integrity of India. The Jharkhand government in 2019, banned the Popular Front of India (PFI) in the State to curb its anti-national activities and for keeping links with terror outfits like ISIS. U.P and Karnataka are also in the process to put a ban on the radical outfit. However, a serious thought must be given to the fact that the mandate of PFI is nationwide and a partial state specific ban may only embolden it in other states. A concrete step like a nationwide ban has the capability to check the spread of this extremist organisation. The future of the nation will depend upon the shoulders of those in power with a clear vision to safeguard the interests of the nation.
