By TwoCircles.net staff reporter,
New Delhi: Government of India through a notification has banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) for a period of five years.
SIMI was first banned on September 27, 2001 and the ban renewed every two years. The ban for five years comes under the modified Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act or UAPA. The notification was issued on Feb 1st, just a day before the previous ban was to expire.
Government of India listed 21 cases to back up its claim of SIMI indulging in activities that are “prejudicial to integrity and security of the country. ” However, a cursory look makes it ample clear that most of the cases are of rioting and of simple crimes including attempts to escape from prison. Only two cases can be considered related to terrorism.
SIMI has been previously banned on Sept 27, 2001; Sept 26, 2003; Feb 8, 2006; Feb 7, 2008; Feb 5, 2010; and Feb 3, 2012. Each time SIMI lawyers have appealed the ban but the appeals have been pending in the Supreme Court unheard.