The Modi government has delivered another decisive blow against the radical Islamist propaganda machine operating within India. On 13 November 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs officially extended the ban on the Islamic Research Foundation. The IRF, founded by fugitive preacher Zakir Naik, has been declared an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act for another five years.
The current ban was slated to expire on 14 November. Displaying proactive intent, the Centre acted a day early. This marks the third consecutive five year ban slapped on the organisation. The IRF was first outlawed in November 2016 and the ban was subsequently extended in November 2021. It will now remain strictly prohibited until 2031.
Striking at the Roots of Radicalisation
The official notification from the Ministry of Home Affairs pulls no punches. The government stated clearly that Zakir Naik and the IRF have been actively encouraging their followers to promote disharmony, enmity, and religious hatred. These calculated activities are deeply prejudicial to the security and integrity of Bharat.
Zakir Naik uses satellite television, the internet, print mediums, and social media to broadcast highly objectionable and subversive speeches. He explicitly targets the youth of a particular community across India and abroad, deliberately inspiring them to commit terrorist acts.
The government rightfully flagged a massive national security risk. If the ban on the IRF is lifted, the organisation would immediately exploit the opportunity to reorganise its absconding cadres, spread anti national sentiments, support militancy, and permanently disrupt communal harmony.
The Dhaka Connection and the Left Liberal Silence
Zakir Naik is not just a controversial speaker. He is a primary ideological catalyst for terror. He fled India in 2016 right after terrorists involved in the gruesome Dhaka Holey Artisan Bakery attack explicitly claimed they were inspired by his sermons. Since then, he has been hiding in Malaysia while India repeatedly pushes for his extradition.
Yet, the left liberal ecosystem consistently tries to provide intellectual cover for such radical preachers under the guise of free speech. They look the other way when young minds are weaponised against the state.
The extension of the UAPA ban is a massive victory for national security. It proves that the state will absolutely not tolerate individuals and organisations that use religion as a shield to spread hatred and radicalise youth on Indian soil. This is the absolute definition of zero tolerance.