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| 21 activists of PFI where charged with UAPA for involvement in anti-national activities.<ref>{{cite news|title=Decision to slap UAPA on PFI activists right: Thiruvanchoor|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/Decision-to-slap-UAPA-on-PFI-activists-right-Thiruvanchoor/2013/05/11/article1584650.ece|accessdate=14 May 2014|newspaper=The New Indian Express|date=11 May 2013}}</ref> Following which in May 2013, the organisation conducted a state-wide campaign in Kerala, it started on 8 May from Kasargod highlighted to the general public how the UAPA is being misused, and how it's terrorizing citizens who resisted oppression from ruling elite. The campaign concluded with a mass gathering at the State Capital, ] on 30 May.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.samachar.com/PFI-to-organise-campaign-against-UAPA-nfjmOceidgf.html |title=PFI to organise campaign against UAPA |publisher=Samachar.com |date= |accessdate=2014-04-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/larger-plan-in-nsssndp-unity-pfi/article4768903.ece |title=Larger plan in NSS-SNDP unity: PFI |publisher=The Hindu |date=2013-05-31 |accessdate=2014-04-15 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> | 21 activists of PFI where charged with UAPA for involvement in anti-national activities.<ref>{{cite news|title=Decision to slap UAPA on PFI activists right: Thiruvanchoor|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/Decision-to-slap-UAPA-on-PFI-activists-right-Thiruvanchoor/2013/05/11/article1584650.ece|accessdate=14 May 2014|newspaper=The New Indian Express|date=11 May 2013}}</ref> Following which in May 2013, the organisation conducted a state-wide campaign in Kerala, it started on 8 May from Kasargod highlighted to the general public how the UAPA is being misused, and how it's terrorizing citizens who resisted oppression from ruling elite. The campaign concluded with a mass gathering at the State Capital, ] on 30 May.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.samachar.com/PFI-to-organise-campaign-against-UAPA-nfjmOceidgf.html |title=PFI to organise campaign against UAPA |publisher=Samachar.com |date= |accessdate=2014-04-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/larger-plan-in-nsssndp-unity-pfi/article4768903.ece |title=Larger plan in NSS-SNDP unity: PFI |publisher=The Hindu |date=2013-05-31 |accessdate=2014-04-15 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> | ||
| == Charges of violence and armed activity== | |||
| === Alleged Connection with ] === | |||
| In 2010, the PFI was alleged of having links with banned Islamic terrorist organisation ].<ref name="sify.com"/> PFI's national chairman Abdul Rehman was the former national secretary of SIMI, while the state secretary Abdul Hameed Master was SIMI's former state secretary. Most former leaders of SIMI were either identified with PFI or were at present holding various portfolios in the organization.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=769976 |title=PFI, NDF Involved in CPI(M), RSS Cadres' Murders: Kerala |publisher=News.outlookindia.com |date= |accessdate=2014-04-15}}</ref> The alleged SIMI connection has been dubbed baseless by the leaders of the Popular Front claiming that the Front was launched in 1993, whereas the SIMI ban came much later in 2001.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=154314 |title=Mangalore: 'PFI Aims to Empower Minorities, Expose Fascist Parties' |publisher=Daijiworld.com |date= |accessdate=2014-04-15}}</ref><ref name="tulunadunews.com">{{cite web|url=http://tulunadunews.com/2012/11/03/why-popular-front-pfi-leader-shareef-makes-a-attempt-to-clear-misconceptions-about-pfi/ |title=Why Popular Front - PFI leader Shareef makes a attempt to clear misconceptions about PFI |publisher=Tulunadu News |date= |accessdate=2014-04-15}}</ref> Retired Indian army officer P C Katoch has claimed that PFI has links with ].<ref>{{cite book|title=India's Special Forces: History and Future of Special Forces|date=2013|publisher=Vij Book India Pvt Ltd|isbn=9789382573593}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|journal=Indian Defence Review|date=Apr–Jun 2013|volume=28.2|accessdate=13 April 2014}}</ref> | |||
| === Accusation of arms training camp in Narath === | |||
| In April 2013, Kerala Police have raided a training camp held at Narath, ] and arrested 21 activists of the Popular Front of India. Two country-made bombs, a sword, raw materials for making bombs, pamphlets in the name of PFI were seized by the police. The raid was held at the office building of Thanal Charitable Trust. A document with names of several leading personalities and vehicles had also been seized, which police suspect is a hit-list.<ref name="dailypioneer.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/nation/kerala-cops-confirm-popular-front-terror-camp-in-kannur.html |title=Kerala cops confirm Popular Front terror camp in Kannur |publisher=Dailypioneer.com |date=2013-04-25 |accessdate=2014-04-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://daily.bhaskar.com/article/NAT-TOP-radical-outfit-popular-front-of-india-has-terrorist-links-4245028-NOR.html |title='Radical outfit Popular Front of India has terrorist links' |publisher=daily.bhaskar.com |date=2013-04-24 |accessdate=2014-04-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/328167/country-made-bombs-seized-21.html |title=Country-made bombs seized, 21 PFI cadres arrested in Kerala |publisher=Deccanherald.com |date=2013-04-24 |accessdate=2014-04-15}}</ref> The Popular Front leadership and those arrested claimed that it was a Yoga training program organized as part of a personality development program.<ref name="dailypioneer.com"/> and asked for a judicial probe by a sitting judge to inquire into the alleged training camp. The State President claimed that this police case was fabricated, and was cooked up in a bid to tarnish the organisation's image.<ref>{{cite news|author= |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/narath-pfi-seeks-judicial-probe/article4701551.ece |title=Narath: PFI seeks judicial probe |publisher=The Hindu |date=2013-05-10 |accessdate=2014-04-15 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceB">{{cite web|author=26 April 2013 - 8:36pm |url=http://twocircles.net/2013apr26/pfi_smells_conspiracy_behind_kerala_arrests.html |title=PFI smells conspiracy behind Kerala arrests |publisher=TwoCircles.net |date=2013-04-26 |accessdate=2014-04-15}}</ref> On 18 May 2013, the ] had arrived to investigate the alleged extremist activities in Narath.<ref>{{cite news|author= |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/narath-case-nia-team-in-kannur/article4726572.ece |title=Narath case: NIA team in Kannur |publisher=The Hindu |date=2013-05-18 |accessdate=2014-04-15 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> The chargesheet submitted at special NIA court in Oct 2013 states that the accused formed small groups and were working for terror activities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.today/Xf5Ls |title=Mathrubhumi English News Online - Latest News Kerala India World. NRI,Movies,Sports,Business |publisher=Mathrubhumi.com |date= |accessdate=2014-04-15}}</ref> | |||
| === Alleged Kidnap and Murder of boys for ransom === | |||
| Two boys Sudheendra and Vignesh were kidnapped on 8 June 2011 from Mahajan College premises in ] and murdered by members of Karnataka Forum for Dignity (KFD), who sought ransom of 5 crore rupees to raise funds for their organization.<ref name=dna>{{cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_karnataka-forum-for-dignity-men-abducted-killed-hunsur-boys-for-ransom_1558078|title=Karnataka Forum for Dignity men abducted, killed Hunsur boys for ransom|date=23 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mysore-double-murder-case-six-arrested/161928-60-115.html |title=Mysore double murder case: Six arrested |date=23 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-23/mysore/29693768_1_students-lectures-college |title=College mourns for murdered students|date=23 June 2011 | work=The Times Of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-23/bangalore/29693825_1_kfd-karnataka-forum-murder-case |title=Six KFD activists held for Hunsur students’ murder|date=27 June 2011 | work=The Times Of India}}</ref> In 2006 KFD had merged with PFI. The arrested KFD members are Adil alias Adil Pasha, Athavulla Khan, Ameen alias Syed Ameen, Rehman alias Shabbir Rehaman, Kouser alias Mohammed Kouser and Safeer Ahmed alias Safeer.<ref name=dna /> Following the arrest of KFD members for the crime Karnataka state government requested the Union government to ban Karnataka Forum for Dignity.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-27/bangalore/29709372_1_karnataka-forum-kfd-ban |title=State will urge Centre to ban KFD|date=27 June 2011 | work=The Times Of India}}</ref> | |||
| ===Allegations of murder of CPI(M) and RSS workers=== | |||
| In 2012, The Kerala government informed the Kerala High Court in an affidavit, that Popular Front of India had active involvement in 27 murder cases, mostly of cadres of ] and ].<ref name=ie>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/pfi-is-simi-in-another-form-kerala-govt-tells-hc/979440/ |title=PFI is banned outfit SIMI in another form, Kerala govt tells HC |date=26 Jul 2012 |accessdate=24 August 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=PFI, NDF Involved in CPI(M), RSS Cadres' Murders: Kerala|url=http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=769976|accessdate=18 April 2014|newspaper=Outlook|date=Jul 25, 2012}}</ref> In 2014, it has again submitted before the Kerala High Court that activists of the NDF/PFI were involved in 27 communally motivated murder cases, 86 attempt to murder cases and in 106 communal cases registered in the state. The affidavit was filed in response to a petition filed by Thejas, mouthpiece of PFI in the State, challenging the refusal of the government to give government advertisements to the daily.<ref>{{cite news|title=PFI promotes extremism|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/pfi-promotes-extremism/article5673924.ece|accessdate=18 April 2014|newspaper=The Hindu|date=February 11, 2014|location=Chennai, India}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=NDF and PFI Involved in 106 Communal Cases, HC Told|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/NDF-and-PFI-Involved-in-106-Communal-Cases-HC-Told/2014/02/11/article2050043.ece|accessdate=18 April 2014|newspaper=The New Indian Express|date=11 February 2014}}</ref> | |||
| === Murder of ABVP activist N Sachin Gopal allegedly by a PFI activist === | |||
| On 6 July 2012, N Sachin Gopal, a student of Modern ITC and Kannur ] district leader, was allegedly stabbed from back by members of Campus Front and Popular Front of India. He later died of his injuries at KMC Hospital in Mangalore on 6 September 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=148697 |title=Stabbed Kannur ABVP Leader Succumbs to Injury |publisher=Daijiworld.com |date= |accessdate=2014-04-17}}</ref> A Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to investigate the case.<ref>{{cite news|author=Special Correspondent |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/article3864525.ece |title=ABVP activist who was stabbed dies |publisher=Thehindu.com |date=2012-09-06 |accessdate=2014-04-17 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> | |||
| === Murder of Vishalkumar allegedly by a PFI activist === | |||
| On 20 July 2012, Vishalkumar, a student of NSS College, Konni, an active worker of ABVP was attacked inside the campus of Christian College and stabbed from behind to death. Three ABVP activists were attacked by an armed group of 15 Campus front activists. Police arrested two Campus Front of India activists in connection with the murder. Another student Sreejith was also injured. The arrested are Nazim and Shafeeq. Police said that they are searching for nineteen more persons in connection with the murder.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/article572127.ece |title=Vishal murder: Two PFI activists held |publisher=Newindianexpress.com |date=2012-07-20 |accessdate=2014-04-17}}</ref> | |||
| === SMS hate campaign allegation === | |||
| After the Assam riots in 2012, a SMS hate campaign was launched threatening people from North-East India that they will be attacked, particularly after Ramzan. This led to a mass exodus of 30,000 people from cities of ], ], ] and national capital ]. Union ] banned bulk SMS, MMS for 15 days to quell rumors and threats.<ref name="zen">{{cite web |title=North-East people’s exodus continues|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/north-east-peoples-exodus-continues_794432.html |accessdate= 18 August 2012}}</ref><ref name="noe">{{cite web |title=Northeast people indeed assaulted, threatened in Bangalore |url=http://news.oneindia.in/2012/08/18/northeast-people-assaulted-threatened-in-bangalore-kar-1055896.html |accessdate= 18 August 2012}}</ref> Investigators traced the source of hate messages to Pakistan. In India, Islamist groups Popular Front Of India, ], Manita Neeti Pasarai and ] circulated the messages to mask the true origin of the messages and make it seem as they were originating from within India.<ref>{{cite web|title=Kerala based PFI Group triggered hate SMS leading to North East Exodus|url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2012/08/kerala-based-pfi-group-triggered-hate-sms-leading-to-north-east-exodus/|work=Bihar Prabha|accessdate=14 May 2014}}</ref> The SMS campaign was designed to create panic among people from north east forcing them to flee and to damage the social fabric and economy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-how-huji-pfi-lobbed-the-hate-bomb-north-east-with-ease/20120821.htm |title=How HuJI, PFI lobbed the hate bomb with ease |date=21 August 2012 |publisher=Rediff |accessdate=24 August 2012}}</ref> PFI has denied the accusation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/report/ne-exodus-pfi-denies-hand-in-hate-message-campaign/20120821.htm |title=NE exodus: PFI denies hand in hate message campaign - Rediff.com India News |publisher=Rediff.com |date=2012-08-21 |accessdate=2014-04-15}}</ref> | |||
| === Attack on T. J. Joseph by PFI activists === | |||
| {{Main|Attack on T. J. Joseph}} | |||
| In Jan 2011, Kerala Police has filed a charge sheet against 27 PFI activists in conjunction with an incident in which they allegedly chopped the hand off of a Kerala professor who had allegedly offended the religious sentiments of his students.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/Hand-chopping-case--Charge-sheet-filed-against-27-accused/737464 |title=Hand chopping case: Charge sheet filed against 27 accused |publisher=Indian Express |date=2011-01-14 |accessdate=2014-04-15}}</ref> At the time of the attack, Joseph was coming back from his duties at a private Christian college in Muvattapuzha and had been accused of blasphemy.<ref name="hindustantimes_2010-07-09"> | |||
| {{Cite news | |||
| | title=Propaganda CD suspected to be that of Al Queda seized | |||
| | author= Press Trust Of India | |||
| | newspaper=Hindustan Times | |||
| | date= 9 July 2010 | |||
| | url= http://www.hindustantimes.com/Propaganda-CD-suspected-to-be-that-of-Al-Queda-seized/Article1-569745.aspx}}</ref><ref> | |||
| {{Cite news | |||
| | title= Family of Indian professor 'forgives' attackers | |||
| | first=Alastair | |||
| | last=Lawson | |||
| | newspaper=BBC News | |||
| | date=2010-07-08 | |||
| | url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/south_asia/10557819.stm | |||
| }}</ref> | |||
| It is reported that the attack resulted from the ruling from one of the "Taliban-model" courts (]) operating in the state.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.rediff.com/report/2010/jul/07/islamic-court-ordered-chopping-of-profs-palm.htm |title=Islamic court ordered chopping of prof's palm - Rediff.com India News |publisher=News.rediff.com |date=2010-07-07 |accessdate=2014-04-15}}</ref> The Kerala state police claimed to be "unearthing the vast network" of the PFI,<ref> | |||
| {{Cite news | |||
| | title= Gulf-bound persons under police scanner | |||
| | newspaper=Express News | |||
| | date=2010-07-09 | |||
| | url= http://newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/article180545.ece | |||
| }}</ref> and after a series of raids on the houses of PFI members, the district secretary of the PFI "threatened the officer with dire consequences if he continued raiding the houses of its activists."<ref> | |||
| {{Cite news | |||
| | title=Kerala prof attacker now threatens cop | |||
| | author=Staff | |||
| | newspaper=Hindustan Times | |||
| | date=2010-07-07 | |||
| | url= http://www.hindustantimes.com/Kerala-prof-attacker-now-threatens-cop/Article1-568506.aspx | |||
| }}</ref> On 9 July 2010, it was reported that PFI installations were being raided by police, and that they had found ] videos from the global ] network ] in the possession of one alleged PFI member, and a rifle, fake ]s, and fake ]s in the possession of another member of the PFI.<ref name=ieconcern/><ref name="hindustantimes_2010-07-09"> | |||
| {{Cite news | |||
| | title=Propaganda CD suspected to be that of Al Queda seized | |||
| | author= Press Trust Of India | |||
| | newspaper=Hindustan Times | |||
| | date=2010-07-09 | |||
| | url= http://www.hindustantimes.com/Propaganda-CD-suspected-to-be-that-of-Al-Queda-seized/Article1-569745.aspx | |||
| }}</ref><ref>, KOCHI, 21 July 2010, thehindu.com</ref> As a result of the incident, the BJP has called for a ban on the PFI and an examinations of possible links between the PFI and the Taliban by the National Investigation Agency.<ref name="DNA_2010-06-12"> | |||
| {{Cite news | |||
| | newspaper=Daily News & Analysis | |||
| | title=BJP demands ban on PFI, Kochi lecturer case be probed by NIA | |||
| | date=2010-06-12 | |||
| | url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_bjp-demands-ban-on-pfi-kochi-lecturer-case-be-probed-by-nia_1408771 | |||
| }}</ref> On 6 September 2010, the Kerala Government informed the state high court that investigators thus far found no evidence of a connection between the Popular Front of India with Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e Taiba (Let) or al-Qaeda.<ref name="deccanherald-2010-09-06"> | |||
| {{Cite news | |||
| | title=Police probing PFI's alleged links with LeT, al-Qaeda & Hizbul | |||
| | newspaper=Deccan Herald | |||
| | date=2010-09-06 | |||
| | url=http://www.financialexpress.com/news/Al-Qaeda-has-come-to-Kerala--Govt/677937/ | |||
| }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Police-probing-PFI-s-alleged-links-with-LeT-al-Qaeda-amp-Hizbul/Article1-597025.aspx |title=Police probing PFI's alleged links with LeT, al-Qaeda & Hizbul |publisher=Hindustan Times |date= |accessdate=2014-04-15}}</ref> | |||
| == References == | |||
| {{Reflist|30em}} | |||
| == External links == | == External links == | ||
Revision as of 07:56, 25 May 2014
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|
 | |
| Abbreviation | PFI |
|---|---|
| Formation | 22 November 2006 |
| Type | Voluntary Based Nonprofit organization |
| Purpose | To establish an egalitarian society in which freedom, justice and security are enjoyed by all. |
| Headquarters | G-66, 2nd Floor, Shaheen Bagh Kalindikunj, Noida Road, New Delhi – 110025, Tel/ Fax – 011 29945003 |
| Region served | India |
| Chairman of the Front | K.M. Shareef |
| Website | http://popularfrontindia.com |
The Popular Front of India (PFI) started largely as a Kerala Muslim outfit as a successor to National Development Front (NDF)in 2006 and then acquired multi-state dimension by merging with National Development Front, Manitha Neethi Pasarai, Karnataka Forum for Dignity etc. The PFI has about 80,000 members and sympathizers all over the country. The organisation states it purpose as Front with an aim of all round empowerment of the deprived communities, especially Muslims who, it claims, are backward in educational, economic, social and political fields, and striving to restore the rights of marginalized and oppressed communities.
PFI works in cooperation with the National Confederation of Human Rights Organisations and other Human rights activists in bid to curb human rights violation in the nation. In 2012, the organisation conducted protests against the use of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act to detain innocent citizens. The organisation has undertaken the task of campaigning for the Muslim Reservation in line with the Mishra Commission (National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities) report to address the inequality faced by Muslims.
History
The PFI started in Kerala as successor to National Development Front in 2006. Later it merged with Karnataka Forum for Dignity of Karnataka and Manitha Neethi Pasarai in Tamil Nadu and later in 2009, with Goa's Citizen's Forum, Rajasthan's Community Social and Educational Society, West Bengal's Nagarik Adhikar Suraksha Samiti, Manipur's Lilong Social Forum and Andhra Pradesh’s Association of Social Justice. It is involved in issues such as Muslim reservations, personal law courts for Muslims, the cause of Dalits, Muslims and tribals, and scholarships to deprived Muslim students.
A common platform was formed in cooperation with the South India Council as an outcome of a regional discussion attended by Muslim social activists and intellectuals from the South Indian States at Bangalore on 25 and 26 January 2004. It has taken up the issue of reservation in government and private sector jobs and Parliament and Assemblies and in cooperation with the Confederation of Muslim Institutions in India, it organized a two-day workshop on Muslim Reservations on 26 and 27 November 2005 at Hyderabad, inaugurated by Rajya Sabha member Rahman Khan. The slogan of PFI is Naya Karavan: Naya Hindustan, which means "The new traveling way and the new India".
Social activities
Education and employment
The PFI conducts School Chalo ("Go To School") program each year during June and July when schools are open, conducting awareness programs for children to go to school up to secondary level. KM Shareef, the National General Secretary of PFI has asserted that reservation is the most immediate need of Muslims, referencing a report submitted by the Prime Minister’s High Level Committee (Justice Rajindar Sachchar Committee) in November 2006, which identified the Muslim community as more backward than any other, and claimed that insufficient discussion on this topic were taking place in assemblies and parliament. In the context of the Central Government's decision on reservation in higher education, the South India Council organized three Regional Conventions on Reservation: in Calcutta on 4 August 2006, in Bangalore on 5 August 2006, and in Chennai on 17 August 2006. A National Convention on Reservation in Higher Education was organized by the South India Council jointly with All India Milli Council at New Delhi on 29 August 2006. Former Prime Minister V. P. Singh also addressed the convention In 2010, the National Executive Council of the PFI demanded a ten percent reservation for Muslims across India.
Public health campaign in 2009
Popular Front of India had planned to organize a national public health campaign in 2009. PFI conducted "Healthy People, Healthy Nation" campaign in November 2010, yoga classes and marathon were held in Bangalore.
Flood relief operation in 2009
In 2009 floods PFI volunteers participated in rescue and relief operations in Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh), Bijapur, Raichur and Bagalkot (Karnataka). During rescue operation, a 50-year-old volunteer named Salahuddin lost his life in Kurnool district. The cadres cleaned 52 Masjids, 4 Madrasas, 2 Shadi Mahals, 14 houses and also streets of 4 mohallas were cleaned.
Human chain formation for the release of innocents
In September 2012, PFI had organised a Human Chain demanding the release of innocent Adivasis, Dalits and Muslims at Jantar Mantar. Arundhati Roy launched a national wide signature campaign after the meeting.
Events & Campaigns
National Political Conference
The public meeting at Calicut Beach on 17 February 29 which marked the conclusion of National Political Conference saw the merger of social organizations in eight states into the Popular Front of India. Along with the state presidents of NDF Kerala, MNP Tamil Nadu and KFD Karnataka which had already merged with Popular Front, heads of social organizations in Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Manipur joined hands on the dais with the Popular Front chairman.
Freedom Parade on Indian Independence Day
The PFI and its allies conducted a freedom parade on 15 August in 2009 and 2010 in celebration of Indian Independence Day. The national flag was carried in front of the parade, and orchestra bands played patriotic songs. The parade was followed by public meeting with participation from the public. In 2010, the parade was conducted in Uduppi and Mettuppalayam. In the previous year it was conducted in Mangalapuram and Madurai.
Kerala state government banned the Freedom Parade stating it would jeopardize communal harmony. The ban was challenged in the Kerala High Court which upheld the ban. The Intelligence wing of Kerala Police had informed the High Court that PFI is the new face of banned Islamist group Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) and is engaged in fundamentalist and anti-national activities. This stand of the government was rejected by the High Court.
Social Justice conference 2011
The Social Justice Conference was held at Ramlila Ground in New Delhi on 26 and 27 November 2011. The Conference was a get together of like minded organizations and movements. The first day of the conference had two separate seminar session on the topics ‘Together for Empowerment’ and ‘People’s Right to Justice’. The second day witnessed a large flow of masses to the Grand Public Meeting. The conference was addressed by Syed Shahabuddin, a former MP and Mulayam Singh Yadav the Samajwadi party leader, a former MP and Thol. Thirumavalavan the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi leader. The key address of the conference was to plea the UPA government to implement the findings of Sachar Committee Report and the Ranganath Misra Commission
Protest against UAPA
21 activists of PFI where charged with UAPA for involvement in anti-national activities. Following which in May 2013, the organisation conducted a state-wide campaign in Kerala, it started on 8 May from Kasargod highlighted to the general public how the UAPA is being misused, and how it's terrorizing citizens who resisted oppression from ruling elite. The campaign concluded with a mass gathering at the State Capital, Thiruvananthapuram on 30 May.
External links
- ^ Concern in govt over PFI’s growing outfits, spread, shishir gupta, Tue 5 Apr 2011, indianexpress.com
- "Bangalore : PFI to Launch 'Why Popular Front' Campaign from Oct 10". Daijiworld.com. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
- "'Why Popular Front' campaign begins tomorrow". Coastaldigest.com. 9 October 2012. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
- 2 April 2012 - 10:24am (2 April 2012). "NCHRO asks govt to repeal anti-people laws, frame rules for Human Rights Act 1993". TwoCircles.net. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "Serving Mangaloreans Around The World!". Mangalorean.Com. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
- "Popular Front of India plans month-long campaign to highlight plight of jailed Muslims - The Times of India". Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 11 July 2012. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
- "Popular Front's campaign starts - The Times of India". Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 13 October 2012. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
- Hyderabad Deccan News (3 February 2010). "National campaign for Muslim reservation launched in Pune". Newswala.com. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
- "PFI's march for Muslim Reservation". Milligazette.com. Retrieved 15 April 2014.
- "Muslim bodies float front". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 12 December 2006. Retrieved 21 February 2007.
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