, was arrested in the nationwide crackdown against the organization.){kind=link}
Background
The Hindu Nationalist government of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by Narendra Modi banned the Popular Front of India (PFI) in September 2022. The government accused the organization of indulging in “terror activities” and radicalizing Muslim youth to “subvert” democracy, a claim vehemently denied by its member and other activists. However, the ban is yet to pass the test of judicial scrutiny and whether the invocation of the draconian terror law, Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), is justified or not. Hundreds of members and activists linked to the organization were arrested across 20 Indian states, including Abdul Wahid Sait.
Activists and human rights defenders have expressed concerns, stating the ban attacks free speech and freedom of association. They also cited the anti-Muslim approach of the right-wing government and their hateful Hindutva ideology as reasons for the ban.
For years, PFI has been involved in relief work and forming alliances to counter the right-wing assertion of Hindu Nationalism dominating the political landscape.
Life and Activism
Abdul Wahid Sait is a national executive council member of PFI and runs a software solutions enterprise. He hails from Bengaluru, Karnataka, and is one of the founding members of the PFI.
Sait has vehemently spoken against cow vigilantism and lynching of Muslims on suspicion of consuming beef. He believes the BJP government is intolerant of all religious minorities, including Muslims.
In many instances, he advocated for an impartial judiciary and an effective criminal justice system while raising concern over Rashtriya Swamyamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) influence in every institution and how it contradicts the ideals of justice. He has a progressive outlook and an inclusive approach to development.
Current Status
Not released yet.