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The '''Popular Front of India (PFI)''' is a Neo Social Movement<ref>{{citation |title=PFI spreading tentacles to Andhra,says police chief |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/web/pfi-spreading-tentacles-to-andhra-says-police-chief/ |newspaper=Indian Express |date=12 August 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/Kerala-Police-unmasks-PFI%E2%80%99s-terror-face/2013/04/28/article1564744.ece|title=Kerala Police unmasks PFI's terror face|last=|first=|date=|website=|publisher=|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/HuJi-Popular-Front-of-India-under-lens-for-hate-messages/articleshow/15594008.cms|title=HuJi, Popular Front of India under lens for hate messages - Times of India|access-date=2016-09-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=In a pluralistic part of India, fears of rising Islamic extremism|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/this-is-india-not-afghanistan/2011/02/04/ABOyT5E_story.html|website=washingtonpost.com|publisher=Washingtonpost}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://archive.tehelka.com/story_main47.asp?filename=Ne091010Coverstory.asp|title=Tehelka - India's Independent Weekly News Magazine|website=archive.tehelka.com|access-date=2016-09-09}}</ref> formed as a successor to ] (NDF) in 2006. It acquired a multi-state dimension by merging with the National Development Front, ], ] and other organisations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Popular-Front-of-India-denies-role-in-terror-attacks/articleshow/46722015.cms|title=Popular Front of India denies role in terror attacks - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref> The organisation has various wings to cater to different section of society, including the ] and the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/article184644.ece|title=Cops manhandled women during PFI raids: NWF|work=The New Indian Express}}</ref> |
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The '''Popular Front of India (PFI)''' is a Neo Social Movement<ref>{{citation |title=PFI spreading tentacles to Andhra,says police chief |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/web/pfi-spreading-tentacles-to-andhra-says-police-chief/ |newspaper=Indian Express |date=12 August 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/thesundaystandard/Kerala-Police-unmasks-PFI%E2%80%99s-terror-face/2013/04/28/article1564744.ece|title=Kerala Police unmasks PFI's terror face|last=|first=|date=|website=|publisher=|access-date=}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/HuJi-Popular-Front-of-India-under-lens-for-hate-messages/articleshow/15594008.cms|title=HuJi, Popular Front of India under lens for hate messages - Times of India|access-date=2016-09-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=In a pluralistic part of India, fears of rising Islamic extremism|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/this-is-india-not-afghanistan/2011/02/04/ABOyT5E_story.html|website=washingtonpost.com|publisher=Washingtonpost}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://archive.tehelka.com/story_main47.asp?filename=Ne091010Coverstory.asp|title=Tehelka - India's Independent Weekly News Magazine|website=archive.tehelka.com|access-date=2016-09-09}}</ref> formed as a successor to ] (NDF) in 2006. It acquired a multi-state dimension by merging with the National Development Front, ], ] and other organisations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Popular-Front-of-India-denies-role-in-terror-attacks/articleshow/46722015.cms|title=Popular Front of India denies role in terror attacks - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref> The organisation has various wings to cater to different section of society, including the ] and the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/article184644.ece|title=Cops manhandled women during PFI raids: NWF|work=The New Indian Express}}</ref> |
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PFI claims to work in cooperation with the ] and other human rights activists in a bid to curb human rights violation in the nation.<ref name="twocircles.net">{{cite web|author=2 April 2012 - 10:24am |url=http://twocircles.net/2012apr02/nchro_asks_govt_repeal_antpeople_laws_frame_rules_human_rights_act_1993.html |title=NCHRO asks govt to repeal anti-people laws, frame rules for Human Rights Act 1993 |publisher=TwoCircles.net |date=2012-04-02 |accessdate=2014-04-15}}</ref><ref name="mangalorean. com">{{cite web|url=http://www.mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=346366 |title=Serving Mangaloreans Around The World! |publisher=Mangalorean.Com |date= |accessdate=2014-04-15}}</ref> The organisation campaigns for Muslim Reservation in line with the ] (National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities) report to address inequality faced by Muslims in India.<ref>{{cite web|author=Hyderabad Deccan News |url=http://www.newswala.com/India-National-News/National-campaign-for-Muslim-reservation-launched-in-Pune-1507.html |title=National campaign for Muslim reservation launched in Pune |publisher=Newswala.com |date=2010-02-03 |accessdate=2014-04-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author= |url=http://www.milligazette.com/news/6494-pfis-march-for-muslim-reservation |title=PFI's march for Muslim Reservation |publisher=Milligazette.com |date= |accessdate=2014-04-15}}</ref> In 2012, the organisation conducted protests against the use of the ]] to detain innocent citizens.<ref>{{cite news|author= |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-11/india/32632277_1_pfi-public-meetings-muslims |title=Popular Front of India plans month-long campaign to highlight plight of jailed Muslims - The Times of India |publisher=Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=2012-07-11 |accessdate=2014-04-15}}</ref><ref name="articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com">{{cite news|author= |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-13/mangalore/34430508_1_pfi-e-m-abdul-rahiman-popular-front |title=Popular Front's campaign starts - The Times of India |publisher=Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=2012-10-13 |accessdate=2014-04-15}}</ref> The Front formed a broad-based alliance of different minority and civil rights leaders and groups against growing authoritarian and communal tendencies where steps taken included a national movement against UAPA, the Sikh-Muslim mission for communal harmony, the joint platform that has commemorated anti-Sikh riot of 1984 and Babri Masjid demolition of 1992.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://twocircles.net/2014dec31/1420004011.html#.VWKj7U-eDGc|title=Popular Front of India's new national exec council in place; resolves to change Muslim politics for better|work=twocircles.net}}</ref> |
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PFI claims to work in cooperation with the ] and other human rights activists in a bid to curb human rights violation in the nation.<ref name="twocircles.net">{{cite web|author=2 April 2012 - 10:24am |url=http://twocircles.net/2012apr02/nchro_asks_govt_repeal_antpeople_laws_frame_rules_human_rights_act_1993.html |title=NCHRO asks govt to repeal anti-people laws, frame rules for Human Rights Act 1993 |publisher=TwoCircles.net |date=2012-04-02 |accessdate=2014-04-15}}</ref><ref name="mangalorean. com">{{cite web|url=http://www.mangalorean.com/news.php?newstype=broadcast&broadcastid=346366 |title=Serving Mangaloreans Around The World! |publisher=Mangalorean.Com |date= |accessdate=2014-04-15}}</ref> The organisation campaigns for Muslim Reservation in line with the ] (National Commission for Religious and Linguistic Minorities) report to address inequality faced by Muslims in India.<ref>{{cite web|author=Hyderabad Deccan News |url=http://www.newswala.com/India-National-News/National-campaign-for-07-11/india/32632277_1_pfi-public-meetings-muslims |title=Popular Front of India plans month-long campaign to highlight plight of jailed Muslims - The Times of India |publisher=Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=2012-07-11 |accessdate=2014-04-15}}</ref><ref name="articles.timesopublisher=Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com |date=2012-10-13 |accessdate=2014-04-15}}</ref> The Front formed a broad-based alliance of different minority and civil rights leaders and groups against growing authoritarian and communal tendencies where steps taken included a national movement against UAPA, the Sikh-Muslim mission for communal harmony, the joint platform that has commemorated anti-Sikh riot of 1984 and Babri Masjid demolition of 1992.<ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://twocircles.net/2014dec31/1420004011.html#.VWKj7U-eDGc|title=Popular Front of India's new national exec council in place; resolves to change Muslim politics for better|work=twocircles.net}}</ref> |
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The various allegations include connections with various Islamic terrorist groups.,<ref name="hindustantimes.com"/><ref name="News.outlookindia.com"/> possessing arms,<ref name="dailypioneer.com"/><ref name="daily.bhaskar.com"/><ref name="Deccanherald.com"/> kidnapping, murder,<ref name="auto"/><ref name="Newindianexpress.com"/> intimidation,<ref name="dna"/><ref name="ibnlive.in.com"/><ref name="The Times Of India"/><ref name="auto1"/> hate campaign,<ref name="zen"/><ref name="noe"/><ref name="Bihar Prabha"/><ref name="Rediff"/> rioting,<ref name="shimogatimes"/><ref name="ReferenceD"/> ]<ref name="auto3"/> and various acts of religious extremism, the most infamous among them being the ] who had set the controversial question paper insulting the Prophet Muhammed.<ref name="Rediff.com"/><ref name="English News | Top Stories"/><ref name="M.G. Radhakrishnan"/><ref name="Defending the front"/><ref name="Radianceweekly.com"/><ref name="auto4"/><ref name="The Hindu"/><ref name="ReferenceE"/> However, the charges were refuted by the PFI which alleged the accusations as baseless and fabricated to malign the organisation.<ref name="tulunadunews.com"/><ref name="auto2"/> |
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The various allegations include connections with various Islamic terrorist groups.,<ref name="hindustantimes.com"/><ref name="News.outlookindia.com"/> possessing arms,<ref name="dailypioneer.com"/><ref name="daily.bhaskar.com"/><ref name="Deccanherald.com"/> kidnapping, murder,<ref name="auto"/><ref name="Newindianexpress.com"/> intimidation,<ref name="dna"/><ref name="ibnlive.in.com"/><ref name="The Times Of India"/><ref name="auto1"/> hate campaign,<ref name="zen"/><ref name="noe"/><ref name="Bihar Prabha"/><ref name="Rediff"/> rioting,<ref name="shimogatimes"/><ref name="ReferenceD"/> ]<ref name="auto3"/> and various acts of religious extremism, the most infamous among them being the ] who had set the controversial question paper insulting the Prophet Muhammed.<ref name="Rediff.com"/><ref name="English News | Top Stories"/><ref name="M.G. Radhakrishnan"/><ref name="Defending the front"/><ref name="Radianceweekly.com"/><ref name="auto4"/><ref name="The Hindu"/><ref name="ReferenceE"/> However, the charges were refuted by the PFI which alleged the accusations as baseless and fabricated to malign the organisation.<ref name="tulunadunews.com"/><ref name="auto2"/> |
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=== Connection with Students Islamic Movement of India === |
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In 2010, the PFI was alleged of having links with banned Islamic terrorist organisation ].<ref name="sify.com"/> The PFI's national chairman, Abdul Rehman, was the former national secretary of SIMI, while the organization's state secretary, Abdul Hameed, 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 organisation.<ref name="News.outlookindia.com"/> 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 name="tulunadunews.com"/><ref name="auto2"/> Retired Indian army officer P. C. Katoch has claimed that the PFI maintains links with the Pakistani intelligence agency, ].<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 | title = retired Indian army claimed that PFI | date=Apr–Jun 2013|volume=28| issue = 2 }}</ref> |
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=== Arms training camp in Narath === |
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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"/><ref name="daily.bhaskar.com"/><ref name="Deccanherald.com"/> The Popular Front leadership and those arrested claimed that it was a Yoga training programme organised as part of a personality development programme.<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|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/narath-pfi-seeks-judicial-probe/article4701551.ece |title=Narath: PFI seeks judicial probe |newspaper=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|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/narath-case-nia-team-in-kannur/article4726572.ece |title=Narath case: NIA team in Kannur |newspaper=The Hindu |date=2013-05-18 |accessdate=2014-04-15 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> |
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=== Kidnap and Murder of boys for ransom === |
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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 organisation.<ref name="dna"/><ref name="ibnlive.in.com"/><ref name="The Times Of India"/><ref name="auto1"/> 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 these KFD members, 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> |
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===Murder of CPI(M) and RSS workers=== |
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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|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408211304/http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=769976|archivedate=8 April 2014|df=dmy-all}}</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, spokesperson 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> A carpenter Abid Pasha was arrested for six murder cases.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/abid-pasha-mysuru-murders-revelations-religious-leaning-carpenter-bajrang-dal-2991215/|title=The carpenter of Mysuru and the murders no one suspected him of|date=2016-08-23|work=The Indian Express|access-date=2018-05-17|language=en-US}}</ref> He had links with PFI.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/rss-man-murder-karnataka-r-rudresh-3740784/|title=Karnataka: Cops to invoke UAPA in RSS leader murder case|date=2016-11-07|work=The Indian Express|access-date=2018-05-17|language=en-US}}</ref> |
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=== Murder of ABVP activist N Sachin Gopal and Vishal === |
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On 6 July 2012, N. Sachin Gopal, a student of Modern ITC, Kannur and the district leader ], was allegedly stabbed by members of the Campus Front and Popular Front of India. Student leader Vishal was murdered.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ban orders in Chengannur, Mavelikkara|url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/article572853.ece|newspaper=New Indian Express}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=ABVP pays homage to Sachin Gopal|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/abvp-pays-homage-to-sachin-gopal/article3913520.ece}}</ref> Gopal later died of his injuries at KMC Hospital in Mangalore on 6 September 2012<ref name="auto"/> 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> |
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=== SMS campaign against people of the North-East === |
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After the ], an ] hate campaign was launched in the South of India threatening people from the North-East with retribution, particularly after Ramzan. Investigators traced the source of these hate messages to ] (HuJI) and the Popular Front of India, along with its affiliate organisations ] and ]. More than 60 million messages were sent in a single day on 13 August 2012. Some 28-30 percent of the messages were found to have been uploaded from Pakistan. The SMS campaign was designed to create a panic among the people from the North-East, forcing them to flee. 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"/><ref name="noe"/><ref name="Bihar Prabha"/><ref name="Rediff"/><ref> |
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{{cite book |title=Governing India's Northeast: Essays on Insurgency, Development and the Culture of Peace |first=Samir Kumar |last=Das |publisher=Springer Science & Business Media |year=2013 |isbn=978-8132211464 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=hSFGAAAAQBAJ&pg=PA8 |pp=8–9}} |
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</ref> |
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The PFI has denied the accusation.<ref> |
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{{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}} |
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</ref> |
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=== Attack on T. J. Joseph by PFI activists === |
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{{Main|Attack on T. J. Joseph}} |
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In Jan 2011, Kerala Police has filed a charge sheet against 27 alleged PFI activists in conjunction with an incident in which they chopped the hand off of a Kerala professor who had offended the religious sentiments of his students.<ref>{{cite news|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 |newspaper=Indian Express |date=2011-01-14 |accessdate=2014-04-15}}</ref> After the attack, the College management had removed him from service in Jan 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-kerala-professor-lost-hand-first-now-his-job/20100904.htm|title=Kerala professor lost hand first, now his job|date=4 September 2010|work=Rediff}}</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> |
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{{Cite news |
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|title = Propaganda CD suspected to be that of Al Queda seized |
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|author = Press Trust Of India |
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|newspaper = Hindustan Times |
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|date = 9 July 2010 |
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|url = http://www.hindustantimes.com/Propaganda-CD-suspected-to-be-that-of-Al-Queda-seized/Article1-569745.aspx |
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|archive-url = https://archive.is/20130125065239/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Propaganda-CD-suspected-to-be-that-of-Al-Queda-seized/Article1-569745.aspx |
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|url-status = dead |
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|archive-date = 25 January 2013 |
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}}</ref><ref> |
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{{Cite news |
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| title= Family of Indian professor 'forgives' attackers |
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| first=Alastair |
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| last=Lawson |
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| newspaper=BBC News |
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| date=2010-07-08 |
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| url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/south_asia/10557819.stm |
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}}</ref> |
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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> |
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{{Cite news |
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| title= Gulf-bound persons under police scanner |
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| newspaper=Express News |
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| date=2010-07-09 |
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| url= http://newindianexpress.com/states/kerala/article180545.ece |
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}}</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> |
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{{Cite news |
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|title = Kerala prof attacker now threatens cop |
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|author = Staff |
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|newspaper = Hindustan Times |
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|date = 2010-07-07 |
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|url = http://www.hindustantimes.com/Kerala-prof-attacker-now-threatens-cop/Article1-568506.aspx |
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|url-status = dead |
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|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20100710124239/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Kerala-prof-attacker-now-threatens-cop/Article1-568506.aspx |
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|archivedate = 10 July 2010 |
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|df = dmy-all |
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}}</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>{{Cite news |
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|title = Propaganda CD suspected to be that of Al Queda seized |
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|author = Press Trust Of India |
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|newspaper = Hindustan Times |
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|date = 2010-07-09 |
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|url = http://www.hindustantimes.com/Propaganda-CD-suspected-to-be-that-of-Al-Queda-seized/Article1-569745.aspx |
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|archive-url = https://archive.is/20130125065239/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Propaganda-CD-suspected-to-be-that-of-Al-Queda-seized/Article1-569745.aspx |
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|url-status = dead |
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|archive-date = 2013-01-25 |
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}}</ref><ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722064152/http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article525464.ece |date=22 July 2010 }}, 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"> |
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{{Cite news |
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| newspaper=Daily News & Analysis |
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| title=BJP demands ban on PFI, Kochi lecturer case be probed by NIA |
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| date=2010-06-12 |
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| url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_bjp-demands-ban-on-pfi-kochi-lecturer-case-be-probed-by-nia_1408771 |
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}}</ref> |
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One of the chief accused in this case, Prof. Anas was acquitted. He had contested to win the local elections from jail. He alleged the accusation is a scheme devised by the NIA and the police to deliberately target the Popular Front <ref name="nyoooz.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.nyoooz.com/kochi/96798/former-pfi-district-head-among-those-acquitted#|title=Former PFI district head among those acquitted|author=Nyoooz|work=NYOOOZ|access-date=4 May 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150504211559/http://www.nyoooz.com/kochi/96798/former-pfi-district-head-among-those-acquitted|archive-date=4 May 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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=== Shimoga Violence === |
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Karnataka's Shimoga faced violence during rallies held by Popular Front of India, which resulted in the death of two persons. Popular Front of India activists were arrested for the murder of Vishwanath Shetty. Later it was proved that the second killing was related with Popular front.<ref>{{cite web|title=dajiworld|url=http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=298194}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Prohibitory orders|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/prohibitory-orders-imposed-in-shimoga-after-communal-clash/}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Violence rips Shimoga|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/Violence-rips-Shimoga-Section-144-imposed/articleshow/46304418.cms}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Bolt from the blue for this family|url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/bolt-from-the-blue-for-this-family/article6918836.ece}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Man dies as group attacks him after communal clash|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/460915/man-dies-group-attacks-him.html|website=Deccan Herald}}</ref> |
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== On accusations and counter charges == |
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In 2012, the Popular Front had launched a nationwide campaign "Why the Popular Front", detailing the alleged false accusations and attempts by mainstream media and other organisations to tarnish its image.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=152026|title=Bangalore : PFI to Launch 'Why Popular Front' Campaign from Oct 10|work=daijiworld.com}}</ref> The organisation maintains that it strives hard to restore the rights of the depressed and marginalised sections of the Indian society. The organisation's former Chairman, E M Abdul Rahman, gave elaborate justifications for the accusations that the PFI faces that year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rediff.com/news/slide-show/slide-show-1-muslims-dont-benefit-from-an-exodus/20120822.htm|title='Muslims don't benefit from an exodus'|date=22 August 2012|work=Rediff}}</ref> |
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Further, the organisation filed complaints with the Press Council of India against 10 newspapers—both Hindi and English—for their attempts to tarnish the image of the PFI.<ref name="muslimmirror.com">{{cite web|url=http://muslimmirror.com/eng/press-council-to-hear-pfis-complaints-against-10-dailies-on-16-july/|title=Muslim Mirror » Press Council to hear PFI's complaints against 10 dailies on 16 July|work=Muslim Mirror}}</ref> |
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In 2013, in line with the PFI's counter charge, "Coastal Digest" reported that the ] and the ] denied that they had shared any such information, denying the claims by the media. This was in response to the 2012 complaints against 10 newspapers.<ref name="ReferenceC">{{cite web|url=http://coastaldigest.com/index.php/news/58892-ib-nia-press-council-rubbish-medias-terror-claim-on-pfi|title=IB, NIA, Press Council rubbish media's terror claim on PFI|author=saf|work=Coastaldigest.com}}</ref> In March 2015, Indian intelligence agencies reported that the role of the PFI in the ], ] and ] has been found;<ref>{{cite news|title=Popular Front of India's role in 2011 Mumbai, 2012 Pune, 2013 Hyd blasts found: Intel agencies|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Popular-Front-of-Indias-role-in-2011-Mumbai-2012-Pune-2013-Hyd-blasts-found-Intel-agencies/articleshow/46710055.cms|accessdate=26 June 2015|newspaper=The Times of India|date=27 March 2015}}</ref> claims which where subsequently denied by the PFI.<ref>{{cite news|title=Popular Front of India denies role in terror attacks|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Popular-Front-of-India-denies-role-in-terror-attacks/articleshow/46722015.cms | date = 2015-03-28 | access-date = 2016-05-11}}</ref>However, the organization approached the tribunal over some pro-Hindutva newspapers making anti-Muslim slander..The tribunal criticized the media for fabricating fake news without any evidence |
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== Political Activities == |
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=== National Political Conference === |
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The public meeting at Calicut Beach on 17 February 29 which marked the conclusion of National Political Conference saw the merger of social organisations 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 organisations in Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Rajasthan, West Bengal and Manipur joined hands on the dais with the Popular Front chairman.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=56898 |title=Aim for Empowerment through Constant Struggle - Advisor to South African |publisher=Daijiworld.com |date= |accessdate=2014-04-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=56864&n_tit=Kozhikode%3A+Grand+Start+for+Popular+Front+National+Political+Conference |title=Grand Start for Popular Front National Political Conference |publisher=Daijiworld.com |date= |accessdate=2014-04-17}}</ref> |
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=== Freedom Parade on Indian Independence Day === |
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] |
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The PFI and its allies conducted a freedom parade on 15 August in 2009 and 2010 in celebration of ].<ref name="coastaldigest-15-August-2010">{{cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820133729/http://www.coastaldigest.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=11989:pfi&catid=59:top-stories&Itemid=67|title=State sponsoring atrocities on minorities, accuses PFI leader|date=20 August 2010|website=web.archive.org}}</ref> 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 Udupi and Mettuppalayam.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/2010/08/16/stories/2010081655480500.htm |title=Freedom parade at Mettupalayam |publisher=Hindu.com |date=2010-08-16 |accessdate=2014-04-17 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> In the previous year it was conducted in ] and ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=49884&n_tit=Mangalore%3A+PFI+Displays+Spectacular+Freedom+Parade+at+Mangala+Stadium |title=Freedom Parade at Mangalapuram |publisher=Daijiworld.com |date= |accessdate=2014-04-17}}</ref> |
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The Kerala state government banned the Freedom Parade stating it would jeopardise communal harmony. The ban was challenged in the Kerala High Court which upheld the ban.<ref name=simi1>{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-08-03/kochi/33019143_1_pfi-parade-communal-harmony |title=Kerala high court turns down Popular Front of India's freedom parade plea |date=3 August 2012 |accessdate=24 August 2012 |work=The Times Of India}}</ref> The Intelligence wing of ] had informed the High Court that PFI is the new face of banned Islamist group ] (SIMI) and is engaged in fundamentalist and anti-national activities. This stand of the government was rejected by the High Court.{{Failed verification|date=April 2014}}<ref name=simi>{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-07-26/kochi/32868455_1_pfi-kerala-govt-students-islamic-movement |title=Popular Front of India is new face of Simi: Kerala govt |date=26 Jul 2012 |accessdate=24 August 2012 |work=The Times Of India}}</ref><ref name=murd>{{cite news |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-06-27/bangalore/29709372_1_karnataka-forum-kfd-ban |title=PFI, NDF Involved in CPI(M), RSS Cadres' Murders: Kerala|date=25 July 2012 | work=The Times Of India}}</ref> |
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=== Social Justice conference 2011 === |
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The Social Justice Conference was held at Ramlila Ground in ] on 26 and 27 November 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.allvoices.com/news/10562006-popular-front-of-india-says-dilli-chalo |title=Popular Front of India says Dilli chalo |publisher=Allvoices.com |date=2011-10-08 |accessdate=2014-04-15 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408214832/http://www.allvoices.com/news/10562006-popular-front-of-india-says-dilli-chalo |archivedate=8 April 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> The Conference was seen as a convention of like minded organisations and movements. The first day of the conference is said to have had two seminar sessions on "Together for Empowerment" and "People’s Right to Justice". The second day witnessed a large flow of masses to the Grand Public Meeting.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.popularfrontindia.org/pp/story/chairmans-introductory-remarks-during-social-justice-conference-office-inauguration-get-togeth |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2011-11-11 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://archive.is/20120906203401/http://www.popularfrontindia.org/pp/story/chairmans-introductory-remarks-during-social-justice-conference-office-inauguration-get-togeth |archivedate=6 September 2012 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.popularfrontindia.org/pp/sites/default/files/4%20Booklet%20design.pdf | title = introducing social justice conference |accessdate=11 November 2011 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425080615/http://www.popularfrontindia.org/pp/sites/default/files/4%20Booklet%20design.pdf |archivedate=25 April 2012 }}</ref> The conference was addressed by Syed Shahabuddin, a former MP and ], the ] leader, and ] the ] leader. The key address of the conference was to plea the UPA government to implement the findings of ] and the ].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/article2666021.ece | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | title=Front seeks greater representation for Muslims | date=2011-11-28}}</ref> |
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=== Protest against misuse of Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act === |
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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 statewide campaign in Kerala, it started on 8 May from Kasargod highlighted to the general public how the UAPA is being misused, and how it is terrorising 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 |accessdate=2014-04-15 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20140408232239/http://www.samachar.com/PFI-to-organise-campaign-against-UAPA-nfjmOceidgf.html |archivedate=8 April 2014 |df=dmy-all }}</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 |newspaper=The Hindu |date=2013-05-31 |accessdate=2014-04-15 |location=Chennai, India}}</ref> |
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=== Muslim minority reservation and employment === |
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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 was taking place in assemblies and parliament.<ref> |
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{{Cite news |
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| title=Reservation is the right of Indian Muslims: PFI Chief |
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| author=CD Network |
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| date=2010-03-12 |
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| url=http://www.coastaldigest.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3492%3Apopular-front-of-india-images&Itemid=53 |
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| newspaper=CoastalDigest |
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}}</ref> In the context of the Central Government's decision on reservation in higher education, the South India Council organised 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 organised 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<ref> |
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{{cite web |
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|url = http://www.thehinduimages.com/hindu/photoDetail.do?photoId=9127434 |
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|title = Former Prime Minister V. P. Singh arriving to attend the National Convention on Reservation in Education |
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|url-status = dead |
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|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20110929072214/http://www.thehinduimages.com/hindu/photoDetail.do?photoId=9127434 |
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|archivedate = 29 September 2011 |
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|df = dmy-all |
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}}</ref><ref> |
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{{cite web |
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|title = Popular Front of India: About Page |
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|url = http://popularfrontindia.com/pp/page/about-us |
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|url-status = dead |
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|archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20100830204929/http://popularfrontindia.com/pp/page/about-us |
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|archivedate = 30 August 2010 |
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|df = dmy-all |
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}}</ref> |
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In 2010, the National Executive Council of the PFI demanded a ten percent reservation for Muslims across India.<ref name="siasat-2010-03-03"> |
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{{Cite news|url=http://www.siasat.com/english/news/popular-front-hold-parliament-march-muslim-reservation-mar-18|title=Popular Front to Hold Parliament March for Muslim Reservation on March 18|last=Bari|first=Pervez|date=2010-03-03|newspaper=The Siasat Daily}}</ref> |
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== References == |
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{{Reflist|30em}} |
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== Further reading == |
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* {{cite journal |last=Menon |first=Nandagopal R. |title=Imagined Kerala |journal=] |volume=34 |date= 21 August 2010 |pp=22–25 }} |
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* {{cite book |last=Abdelhalim |first=Julten |chapter=Being a Governed Muslim in a Non-Muslim State: Indian Muslims and Citizenship | editor1=Bidisha Chaudhuri |editor2=Lion Koenig |title=Discourses of Transculturality:Ideas, Institutions and Practices in India and China |publisher=South Asia Institute, Heidelberg University | year=2013 |chapter-url=http://archiv.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/volltextserver/13356/ |pp=19–30}} |
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* {{cite book |last=Abdelhalim |first=Julten |title=Spaces for Jihād: Indian Muslims and Conceptions of Citizenship |url=http://archiv.ub.uni-heidelberg.de/volltextserver/14323/ |year=2013 |publisher=University of Heidelberg }}{{Dead link|date=May 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} |
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== External links == |
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== External links == |
The various allegations include connections with various Islamic terrorist groups., possessing arms, kidnapping, murder, intimidation, hate campaign, rioting, Love Jihad and various acts of religious extremism, the most infamous among them being the Assault on professor T. J. Joseph who had set the controversial question paper insulting the Prophet Muhammed. However, the charges were refuted by the PFI which alleged the accusations as baseless and fabricated to malign the organisation.
