Extending the ban on the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) declared the already banned organisation as an ‘Unlawful Association’ for a further period of five years.

The last ban on SIMI was imposed on 31 January 2019. The ban was extended under Section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967.

According to MHA, SIMI is continuing to be involved in fomenting terrorism, disturbing the peace and communal harmony in the country which are prejudicial to the sovereignty, security and integrity of India. 

“Many criminal cases have been registered against SIMI and its members under various sections of law including the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967,” the MHA press release said.

Last month, the MHA declared two Jammu and Kashmir-based organisations as ‘Unlawful Association’ under UAPA. One was Masrat Alam’s ‘Muslim League Jammu Kashmir’ and the other was Tehreek-e-Hurriyat.

Earlier this month, gangster Goldy Brar was declared a terrorist under the UAPA for being associated with banned Khalistani terrorist outfit Babbar Khalsa International.