By MuslimMirror
By Syed Zubair Ahmad
E. Abubacker, a 72-year-old retired schoolteacher, journalist, activist, and one of the most popular leaders of South Indian Muslims was the first Chairman of the Popular Front of India (PFI). He has been in custody for two years following his arrest on September 22, 2022, from his residence in Kozhikode. At the time of his arrest, Abubacker, who had no prior criminal record, was physically frail and unable to walk.
E. Abubacker, along with veteran journalist and National Confederation of Human Rights Organisations (NCHRO) general secretary Professor P. Koya, former PFI national chairman O.M.A. Salam, former vice-chairman E.M. Abdul Rahiman, and at least 40 other Muslim leaders and activists associated with the banned group Popular Front of India (PFI), were arrested on September 22, 2022.
A total of over 40 Muslim leaders from various organisations were arrested under the draconian Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) during its first nationwide crackdown on the PFI on September 22, 2022 and brought to Delhi.
Six days later, on September 28, 2022, the Union government banned the PFI and its affiliated organisations, including Campus Front of India, Rehab India Foundation, All India Imams Council, National Confederation of Human Rights Organisations, National Women’s Front, Junior Front, Empower India Foundation, and Rehab Foundation, Kerala. These organisations were declared “unlawful associations” for a period of five years.
E. Abubacker has been bedridden since January 2020 due to severe health conditions. He underwent extensive treatment for cancer, including chemotherapy and surgery, which involved the surgical removal of 80% of his abdominal and intestinal area. This has left his digestive system severely compromised. He also suffers from Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, vision loss, and hypertension, further deteriorating his overall health.
This story was originally published in muslimmirror.com. Read the full story here.