The central government on
Tuesday banned controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik’s NGO Islamic Research
Foundation (IRF) for five years with immediate effect.
The ban on IRF has been enforced under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act
(UAPA) and approved at a union cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister
Narendra Modi.
Declaration of the IRF as “unlawful” under Section 3 of the UAPA will
force closure of its offices and interests across the country.
Sources in the Home Ministry said that the government has a strong case
against the IRF.
The move comes after the government found the Islamic preacher to be involved
in utilising funds meant for his NGOs for radicalisation of youths, they said.
Some other organisations, being run by Naik, have also been under the
government scanner, the sources added.