The Popular Front of India (PFI), the Kerala-based Muslim organisation, which has been accused of “conspiring” to instigate communal violence in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, is trying to expand its reach across the country.
The Popular Front of India (PFI) was accused of funding certain protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) that took place across the country earlier this year. The Uttar Pradesh police had earlier sought a ban on the organisation.
Delhi Police also claimed that PFI was behind the conspiracy of riots in Delhi. According to information received from the sources, PFI’s infiltration into mosques and madrasas has increased. According to the report, the PFI is engaged in connecting a large number of Imams to its organization.
Last year, the police arrested three members of the Popular Front of India (PFI) in connection with the violence that broke out during a protest in Lucknow. Following which the DGP of Uttar Pradesh wrote a letter to the Union Home Ministry seeking a ban on Popular Front of India (PFI).
During the investigation of Uttar Pradesh Police, it was revealed that PFI is the “incarnation” of the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI). SIMI, which was formed in 1977, is banned under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967. It is accused of standing for the propagation of Islamist jihad and the establishment of Islamic rule in India.
The Popular Front of India (PFI) was launched in Kerala in 2006 after merging three Muslim organizations floated after the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992 – the National Development Front of Kerala, Karnataka Forum for Dignity and Manitha Neethi Pasari of Tamil Nadu.
Members of the Popular Front of India were allegedly involved in anti-CAA protests and northeast Delhi riots. Security agencies have received information that the Popular Front of India (PFI) is receiving considerable funding from some Gulf countries.
Due to this funding from abroad, the PFI is strengthening its organization and it is making its reach across the country. The Enforcement Directorate raided at least 26 locations across nine states purportedly linked to the Popular Front of India (PFI) as part of a money-laundering probe. These also included the residences of PFI chairman OM Abdul Salam and head of its Kerala state unit Nasarudheen Elamarom.
