Government Extends Ban on SIMI for Five More Years Under UAPA

Government Extends Ban on SIMI for Five More Years Under UAPA

VoM News Desk | January 29, 2024 | 06:59 PM IST | Breaking News | Follow on Google News

Government Extends Ban on SIMI for Five More Years Under UAPA

Government Extends Ban on SIMI for Five More Years Under UAPA

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has extended the ban on the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) for another five years, designating it as an ‘unlawful association’ under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The MHA exercised its powers conferred by the provisions of UAPA to implement this extension.

Background: Ongoing Ban and Criminal Cases

SIMI was first declared an unlawful association on September 27, 2001, with subsequent extensions on September 26, 2003, February 8, 2006, and other dates. The latest action comes as SIMI is deemed to be “continuing to be involved in fomenting terrorism, disturbing the peace, and communal harmony, prejudicial to the sovereignty, security, and integrity of India.”

Zero Tolerance Policy and Union Home Minister’s Statement

Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized that the decision aligns with the government’s ‘zero tolerance’ policy against terrorism. He mentioned on social media, “Bolstering PM @narendramodi Ji’s vision of zero tolerance against terrorism ‘Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI)’ has been declared as an ‘Unlawful Association’ for a further period of five years under the UAPA.”

Concerns and Justification for Extension

The notification highlighted SIMI’s involvement in activities prejudicial to the security of the country, disrupting peace, and communal harmony. It connected SIMI to criminal cases, including a conspiracy to disrupt the Prime Minister’s visit in July 2022. The government expressed concerns about SIMI’s potential to continue subversive activities, spread anti-national sentiments, and pose a threat to the integrity and security of the nation.

National Recommendations and Regional Approvals

Several states, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh, have recommended declaring SIMI an ‘unlawful association’ under UAPA, underscoring the widespread recognition of the need for continued restrictions on the organization.

VoM News Desk

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