Threat to democracy and freedom, ban not a solution: Here's what SIO, CPI(M) said on Centre's move against PFI

New Delhi: Students Islamic Organisation of India (SIO) on Wednesday criticised Union home ministry’s decision to ban Popular Front of India (PFI), saying that such an action is a “threat to democracy and freedom”.

The SIO claimed that the raids and arrests of PFI leaders and activists were carried out without any evidence and alleged selective criminalisation of those who try to represent the voice of marginalised groups.

“The ban on PFI is a worrying development for all citizens and constitutes a threat to democracy and freedom. We may have many differences with PFI, but the response to disagreement cannot be prohibition. The way this ban has been preceded by raids and detention of hundreds of activists and common people without any evidence of wrongdoing, makes us fear that this is another instance of selective criminalisation of those who try to represent the voice of marginalised groups. We appeal to all those who value their freedom to come forward and make sure this ban does not become another excuse for the unjust incarceration of innocent people across the country,” the Students Islamic Organisation of India’s statement read.

Commenting in the Centre's ban on the Popular Front of India and allied outfits for its alleged terror activities, CPI(M) opined that a ban is not the solution and a political isolation was the solution to tackle the problem.

The Left parties said that they oppose the extremist views of the PFI but do not support the Centre’s decision of banning the radical outfit under the anti-terror law UAPA.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said that he has always opposed the PFI’s approach, however, the ban on the outfit cannot be supported.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs today declared Popular Front of India and its affiliates, 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 ‘Unlawful Association’.