The Uttar Pradesh Government has sought immediately ban on the Popular Front of India (PFI) for violent anti-CAA and NRC protests in the State.
UP Police chief OP Singh said on Tuesday that they had written to the Union Home Ministry, seeking a ban on the PFI after its UP head, Wasim, and 16 other activists were arrested for allegedly masterminding the violence in Lucknow during anti-CAA protests.
“We have written to the Union Home Ministry, recommending that the PFI should be banned,” the DGP told reporters here.
Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said the PFI is the “incarnation” of the SIMI. The PFI’s role has been “established” in vandalism in UP, Maurya told reporters.
“The truth is emerging through the probe. If SIMI reappears in any form, it will be crushed,” he added.
When asked if the PFI will be banned, Maurya said, “The process is on. Such organisations will not be allowed to grow. If needed, they will be banned.”
Wasim was arrested for allegedly masterminding the violence, police had said last week. “We have got success in arresting the mastermind of the Lucknow violence. Wasim, Nadeem and Ashfaq of the PFI have been arrested. While Wasim is the state head, Ashfaq is the treasurer and Nadeem is a member of the PFI,” Lucknow SSP Kalanidhi Naithani told reporters here.
