Lucknow, January 1: The Uttar Pradesh government has upped the ante against the Popular Front of India (PFI) and alleged that the front is "radicalising" youth in the state amid the anti-CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) stir. Praveen Kumar, IG (Law & Order), Uttar Pradesh said on Wednesday that 25 persons affiliated with Popular Front of India (PFI) have been arrested across the state, for their alleged involvement in different criminal activities, reported news agency ANI. Jharkhand Bans Popular Front of India (PFI) in the State Again.

Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Wednesday said that the role of Popular Front of India (PFI) is coming forward in violence and the Home Ministry will decide on an action against the organisation based on evidence.”PFI’s role in violence is coming forward. The Home Ministry will decide on further action based on evidence. There are many allegations against them including connection with Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI),” Prasad told reporters. Ban Popular Front of India, Uttar Pradesh DGP Writes to MHA After Violent Anti-CAA Stir.

Earlier, the Uttar Pradesh Police sought a ban on the Popular Front of India (PFI), days after its complicity was suspected in the recent statewide violent protests against the amended citizenship law.

UP DGP OP Singh had said on Tuesday that they had written to the Union Home Ministry, seeking a ban on the PFI after its Uttar Pradesh head, Wasim, and 16 other activists were arrested for allegedly masterminding the violence in the state capital during anti-CAA protests.

“We have written to the Union Home Ministry, recommending that the PFI should be banned,” the DGP told reporters here. Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said the PFI in a way is the “incarnation” of the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI). The PFI’s role has been “established” in vandalism in the state, Maurya told reporters. “The truth is emerging through the probe. If SIMI reappears in any form, it will be crushed,” he added. When asked if the PFI will be banned, Maurya said, “The process is on. Such organisations will not be allowed to grow. If needed, they will be banned.”

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 01, 2020 06:50 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).