Centre bans PFI and eight other "unlawful associations" for five years

On Wednesday, the Centre government banned the Popular Front of India (PFI), its associates and affiliates as an unlawful association with immediate effect for a period of five years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.

This was made official through an announcement by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday night.

• Alongwith PFI, the ban is also imposed on its fronts including Rehab India Foundation (RIF), Campus Front of India (CFI), All India Imams Council (AIIC), National Confederation of Human Rights Organization (NCHRO), National Women's Front, Junior Front, Empower India Foundation and Rehab Foundation, Kerala as an "unlawful association".

A few days ago, in a joint operation conducted by the NIA and ED, 106 PFI officials from 11 states were arrested.