MHA Constitutes Tribunal to Review ULFA Ban

On 24th December 2024, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) set up a tribunal to evaluate whether the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) should remain an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.

Key Points

Formation of Tribunal: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has constituted a tribunal, headed by Justice Michael Zothankhuma, to review the continuation of the ULFA ban under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967
Extension of Ban: The MHA extended the ban on ULFA for another five years due to its involvement in secessionist activities and criminal activities, including extortion and violence
Historical Context: ULFA has been banned since 1990, with its ban being renewed periodically, most recently on November 27, 2019, for its violent activities in Assam.
Criminal Activities by ULFA: The MHA’s notification cited ULFA’s engagement in illegal arms possession, bombings, and extortion for funding, including 16 criminal cases in Assam
MHA’s Action under UAPA: The MHA has invoked its powers under section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, to ensure that ULFA continues to be designated as an unlawful association.