Simi ban: MHA writes to states seeking info

With the ban on the radical students group Students Islamic Movement of India (Simi) ending next January, the Ministry of Home Ministry (MHA) has written to the states asking them to provide an update on Simi's activities so that a final decision can be taken on continuing the prohibition.

In identical letters to the states, the MHA said the ban imposed on Simi is ending on January 31, 2019 and it can be extended if it finds evidence of the outfit indulging in unlawful activities.

In the letter, the Centre asks the states to provide materials, if any, and the latest status of Simi's activities, if they are "prejudicial to the integrity and internal security of the nation or with a potential to threaten the secular fabric of the country".

The Simi, which was established on April 25, 1977, was first declared an outlawed outfit in 2001 and the last time the ban was extended was on February 1, 2014 for a period of five years. The ban was confirmed by a tribunal on July 30, 2014.

Simi activists were accused of planting the bombs in the sub-urban trains in Mumbai in 2006 that had resulted in the death of 187 people.

It was also accused of being involved in the blast in Gujarat in 2008, in which 45 people were killed.

As per the letter, which was sent by MHA Joint Secretary S C L Das, the states will have to provide the details of cases registered after February 1, 2014.

The letter said the states should intimate the government on any other relevant material concerning Simi, along with the state's assessment and, if needed, a recommendation on the need for a fresh ban.

A nodal officer should be nominated for regular interaction and follow up with the MHA.