Amit Shah calls Naik ‘fugitive terror preacher’, IRF a national threat as Centre extends ban

The Home Ministry has accused the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), headed by Dr Zakir Naik, of indulging in activities endangering national security, promoting enmity and hatred among different religious groups, besides inspiring youth of a particular community to commit terrorist acts, with Home Minister Amit Shah calling Dr Zakir Naik an instigator of violent unrest, while extending its ban for another five years.

The Ministry announced on Friday, November 13, that the IRF would continue to be designated an “unlawful association” under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967. The organisation was first banned on November 15, 2021, under Section 3(1) of the Act, and the existing prohibition was due to expire on November 14, 2026.

In its official notification, the ministry specifically indicted the founder and President, Dr Zakir Abdul Karim Naik, and it maintained that he has consistently encouraged his followers to foster ill-will and disharmony among diverse religious communities.

Among the principal grounds cited for renewing the ban are what the Ministry described as Naik's “objectionable and subversive” statements and speeches, through which he allegedly promoted hostility between religious groups and inspired young people in India and abroad to engage in terrorist activities.

The Centre further alleged that Naik had used international satellite television networks, the internet, print publications and social media to disseminate what it termed radical statements and speeches to millions of people across the world.

The Ministry warned that allowing the organisation's activities to continue unchecked could enable it to reorganise its network, mobilise absconding activists, foment communal discord and propagate anti-national sentiments. It also alleged that the foundation could intensify separatist tendencies by supporting militancy and undertake activities prejudicial to India's sovereignty, integrity and security.

Announcing the decision, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the IRF had been found propagating an ideology of terrorism and separatism, instigating violent unrest, encouraging the regrouping of absconding terrorists and fomenting communal discord.

In a post on X, Shah described Naik as a “fugitive terror preacher” and accused the organisation of pursuing what he called sinister anti-India designs, including inciting communal hatred and promoting terrorism. He said the extension was consistent with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's policy of “zero tolerance” towards terrorism and anti-national activities.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is investigating Naik over alleged terror-related activities. Born in Mumbai, the Islamic preacher left India after the July 1, 2016, bombing at a café in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and is currently living abroad.

Indian authorities have accused him of spreading religious hatred through Peace TV and social media. His online following is estimated to exceed 20 million. The latest notification ensures that the IRF will remain prohibited under the UAPA until November 2031, unless the ban is set aside or modified through the legal process.