Popular Front of India

In News

  • Recently, as many as 100 people linked to the Popular Front of India have been arrested following searches by the National Investigation Agency in connection with anti-terror activities.

What is the Popular Front of India?

  • The PFI was created in 2007 through the merger of three Muslim organisations in southern India:
    • The National Democratic Front in Kerala
    • The Karnataka Forum for Dignity
    • The Manitha Neethi Pasarai in Tamil Nadu.
  • The formation of the PFI was formally announced at a rally in Bengaluru during what was called the “Empower India Conference” in 2007.
  • It emerged in the aftermath of the ban on the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).
  • It has projected itself as an organisation that fights for the rights of minorities, Dalits, and marginalised communities.

PFI’s Footprint 

  • The PFI has had the most visible presence in Kerala, where it has been repeatedly accused of murder, rioting, intimidation, and having links with terrorist organisations.
  • The PFI/SDPI has influence mainly in regions with large Muslim populations.

National Investigation Agency (NIA)

  • About:
    • It was introduced by the then home minister in the wake of the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attacks and was passed in Parliament.
  • Mandate:
    • To investigate the offences affecting the sovereignty, security and integrity of India, friendly relations with foreign states.
    • To investigate offences under the statutory laws enacted to implement international treaties, agreements, conventions and resolutions of the United Nations, its agencies and other international organisations.
  • The law under which the agency operates extends to the whole of India and also applies to Indian citizens outside the country.

Source: IE