Background
India’s Hindu nationalist government banned the Popular Front of India (PFI) in September 2022 for five years. Hundreds of PFI leaders, members, and activists were arrested in the widespread crackdown by the federally controlled agencies across 20 Indian states.
The Indian Home Ministry accused the group of ‘radicalising’ a specific community and a major threat to national security. The allegation has been made the central narrative to invoke anti-terror legislation, Unlawful Prevention Activities (UAPA).
Human rights organizations have criticized the restriction, claiming it blatantly violates both the right to free association and federalism. The Hindu Nationalist government has historically suppressed Muslim viewpoints on the grounds of “terror links and national security” by invoking draconian laws.
Life and Activism
P. Koya is a well-known activist and national executive council member of PFI. He has been actively involved in grassroots movements aimed at Muslims’ economic and social upliftment. He believes that marginalized communities, such as Dalits, Adivasis, and other oppressed groups, should come together to demand their rights as equal citizens.
Prof. Koya is among the fiercest critics of Hindu nationalism and the discriminatory policies of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Current Status
Not released yet.