Individuals associated with Khalistan Movement declared as Terrorist under UAPA act

On July 1, 2020, the Union Home Ministry declared 9 individuals associated with Khalistan Movement as Terrorists. They were declared terrorists under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Highlights

The Government of India had amended the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 in August, 2019. According to the amendment, individuals shall be designated as terrorists. Prior to the amendment, only organizations shall be designated as terrorist organizations.

UAPA act

The act created huge controversies. Several journalists and students were arrested under the act. The act was severely criticized when it was used to arrest Kashmiri journalists.

The act has life imprisonment and death penalty as its highest punishment.

The amendment made to the act in 2019 empowers National Investigation Agency (NIA) to grant permission to approve seizure of property.

Khalistan Movement

The movement is a Sikh separatist movement that was established in the state of Punjab. They demand to establish a sovereign state called Khalistan in Punjab region. The associates of the movement were involved in large-scale violence. This included assassination of PM Indra Gandhi and bombing of Air India flight that killed 329 passengers.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2020