Why is it in the news?

• The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a notification under Section 3 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, extending the ban on JeI for a further period of 5 years.
• Previously banned in February 2019, JeI’s involvement in fomenting terrorism and anti-India propaganda for fuelling secessionism in Jammu and Kashmir prompted the extension.

More about the news

• JeI’s activities are deemed prejudicial to internal security, public order, and the unity and integrity of the country.
• Members are alleged to function as Over Ground Workers (OGWs), providing logistic support to militants, facilitating recruitment, funding through illegal means, and coordinating with other stakeholders.

Role of Over Ground Workers (OGWs)

• Recruitment of local youth for terrorist ranks, often resorting to forced recruitments.
• Facilitation of funding through various illicit means such as illegal trade, counterfeit currency, tax evasion, and Hawala transactions.
• Coordination with secessionist leaders, organized crime networks, and exploitation of local grievances.
• Legitimization of terrorist activities through propaganda, radicalization, and manipulation of local sentiments.

Measures to Neutralize Influence of OGWs

• Implementation of social welfare programs like Operation Sadbhavana (Goodwill) aimed at rehabilitating orphans and women affected by terrorism.
• Strengthening intelligence infrastructure to monitor and counter radicalization attempts.
• Establishment of fast-track courts for expedited prosecution and conviction of terrorists and OGWs.