The Modi government on Thursday night announced that the Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI) Jammu and Kashmir is an “unlawful organization” under Section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said the JeI stands banned for the next five years. It's a prominent organization in J&K.

As per the government, the JeI has been involved in anti-national and subversive activities with the intention of causing disaffection. The NIA recently subjected JeI's leaders and sympathizers to raids. It was a heavy crackdown.

"The Centre is of the opinion that JeI is in close touch with militant outfits and is supporting extremism and militancy in J&K and elsewhere. It states JeI is supporting claims for secession and supporting terrorist and separatist groups fighting for this purpose," writes Bharti Jain.

Several commentators are welcoming the move. "This is a big, big step. A step that will go a long way in containing radicalism in Kashmir. Should have happened long ago," journalist Rahul Pandita said.