Zakir Naik's NGO, Islamic Reseach Foundation may be banned

Mumbai: The Islamic Research Foundation, an Non –government Organisation (NGO) founded and run by Islamic preacher Zakir Naik, seems to be in for all kinds of trouble. Besides cancellation of registration the organisation may face financial crunch.

The home ministry has issued a notice to the organisation under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act asking it as to why action should not be taken against the outfit as certain irregularities have been found in its working by the department.

The ministry may ask it not to receive any foreign donation without the government’s prior permission. Another Zakir’s organisation is also likely to be listed under this category.

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Legal opinion has been already sought on the ban and donation issues. The organisation’s activities are already under its radar. Action may be also taken against it under the unlawful activities act. It has been facing flask since July terrorists’ attack in Dhaka. One of the attackers who was nabbed later had named the organisation and indirectly linked it with the attack.

In view of all this the ministry kept a strict watch on its activities and found prime facie evidence against it on several counts. One of the charges was that it was misusing the foreign donation for political use, conversion and preaching suspected terrorists.

Zakir, 51, besides being a teacher is a writer and a good speaker. He also owns a television channel which is being viewed by crores of followers in Muslim countries. Some countries including UK, Canada and Malaysia have already banned his organisations.

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