Centre extends ban on Zakir Naik-led Islamic Research Foundation by 5 years

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), led by fugitive preacher Zakir Naik, had been found propagating an ideology of terrorism and separatism, instigating violent unrest, encouraging the regrouping of absconding terrorists and fomenting communal discord. 

The allegations prompted the extension of the ban on the organisation by five years.

In a post on X, Shah said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had extended the ban on the IRF as an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act



(UAPA), in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “zero tolerance” towards terrorism and anti-national activities.

“Led by fugitive terror preacher Dr Zakir Naik, the organisation has been involved in sinister anti-India designs, including inciting communal hatred and promoting terrorism,” he said.

“In steadfast adherence to PM Shri @narendramodi Ji’s vision of zero tolerance towards terrorism and anti-national activities, MHA extends the ban on the Islamic Research Foundation as an unlawful association under the UAPA,” he said.