Guwahati: Police in Barpeta have arrested two top leaders of the Assam unit of the banned group Popular Front of India (PFI), as well as a leader of the banned group Campus Front of India (CFI).
Abu Sama Ahmed, the president of PFI's Assam unit, and Jakir Hussain, the state secretary of the banned group, were taken into custody. Sahidul Islam, a leader of CFI, was also arrested. Officials said that 1.5 lakh, four mobile phones, and pamphlets from the two outfits were recovered from their possession.
Last September, the PFI was banned by the central government under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The Home Ministry stated that the PFI and its affiliates have been engaging in unlawful activities that are "prejudicial to the integrity, sovereignty, and security of the country," and that they have the potential to disturb public peace and communal harmony.
The ministry further stated that PFI members have committed several criminal activities and brutal murders in the past to create a reign of terror in public minds.
In addition to the PFI, the government also banned organizations linked to it, including the Rehab India Foundation (RIF), Campus Front of India (CF), All India Imams Council (AIIC), National Confederation of Human Rights Organisation (NCHRO), National Women's Front, Junior Front, Empower India Foundation, and Rehab Foundation Kerala.