The Centre has extended the ban on National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) by another five years, stating the Bodo militant group has been continuing violent activities like killing and extortion.
“NDFB has been indulging in illegal and violent activities, intending to undermine the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India in furtherance of its objective of achieving a separate Bodoland,” stated a ministry of home affairs (MHA) notification.
“Hence, the ban on the outlawed outfit is extended by 5 years,” the notification added.
The MHA extended the ban under the provisions of sub-Section (1) of Section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967.
The MHA further stated that NDFB has been killing and destroying properties of non-Bodods in Bodo-dominated areas and has sabotaged Centre’s authority.
“For the aforesaid reasons the Central government is of the opinion that the NDFB’s activities are detrimental to the sovereignty and integrity of India and that it is an unlawful association,” the notification added.
“Unless NDFB’s unlawful activities are kept under control, the organisation may regroup and rearm itself, indulge in violent activities and endanger the lives of innocent citizens and security forces personnel,” it added.
“Therefore, circumstances do exist which render it necessary to declare the NDFB as an unlawful association with immediate effect”, it reiterated.
“The ban will last for five years,” MHA sources said.