The Indian Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a ban Wednesday on the Masarat Alam faction of the Jammu and Kashmir Muslim League (MLJK-MA) for a five-year period under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in an alleged attempt to curb “secessionist activities.”

The MHA alleged that the MLJK-MA and its members are actively “involved in anti-national and secessionist activities” in Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, the notification accused the group of “supporting terrorist activities and inciting people to establish Islamic rule in J&K.”

This ban is unfolding against the backdrop of persistent tensions in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution in 2019, which was recently upheld by the Supreme Court of India. The revocation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir within the Indian Union, ignited protests and calls for independence from some segments of the Kashmiri population.

Masarat Alam, a prominent separatist leader in Jammu and Kashmir and former president of the MLJK-MA, has a history of arrests and imprisonments related to his political activities. Known for his anti-India and pro-Pakistan stance, Alam assumed the chairmanship of the hardline faction of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference in September 2021 after the passing of Syed Ali Shah Geelani.

The group has yet to comment.