Ministry of Home Affairs asks states to provide info on SIMI

• The MHA asks the states to give details on the activities of Students Islamic Movement of India so that it can decide on whether to extend the ban on it or not
• The SIMI was first declared an outlawed outfit in 2001, since then, the ban extended for every five years

New Delhi, (PTI):  The Centre has written to state governments seeking an update on the activities of radical students group SIMI (Students Islamic Movement of India)  so that a final call could be taken on the continuation of the ban imposed on it beyond January next year. 

In a communication to all states, the Union Home Ministry said the ban imposed on the Students Islamic Movement of India under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act comes to an end on January 31, 2019. 

But if the central government finds the group continues to indulge in unlawful activities, then the prohibition may be imposed afresh. 

"In case the state government finds that the aforesaid organisation is still indulging in unlawful activity activities prejudicial to the integrity and internal security of the nation or with a potential to threaten the secular fabric of the country, the relevant material covering cases under the Act registered before February 1, 2014, and their latest status indicating persons convicted, released, appeal preferred, if any, may be provided to this ministry," the letter sent by Joint Secretary in the Home Ministry S C L Das said.

Cases registered on or after February 1, 2014, and their status which can stand judicial scrutiny, any other relevant information concerning SIMI along with the state government's assessment and recommendation for a fresh ban may be furnished and a nodal officer may also be nominated for regular interaction and follow up, it said. 

"If this organisation and its members commit offences in furtherance of their aims and objectives, then the charge sheet would have to contain the reference to such violation of Act. 

The SIMI was first declared an outlawed outfit in 2001. Since then, it has been declared a banned group under the relevant law. 

The last time it was declared a banned outfit  on February 1, 2014, for a period of five years. The ban was confirmed by a tribunal on July 30, 2014.