Government seeks info on Simi from states
Simi, which the officials claim has been found to be involved in terror activities in many past terror activities.
New Delhi: Home ministry has sought feedback from different state government on activities of the banned outfit Simi to asses if the ban on the group should continue post January next year as well. Centre has banned Simi under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and is in effect till January 31, 2019. Sources said in case the feedback from states and various security agencies confirms that Simi was still indulging in illegal and unlawful activities then the ban would be extended beyond January next year as well.
In a recent communication to the states the home ministry has clearly stated that, “if Simi is still found involved in unlawful activity and other 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.’’
States have also been asked to appoint a nodal officer for this purpose who can interact regularly with the home ministry and take necessary follow-up action. The recommendation and details furnished by the state will also be routed through the same nodal officer.
Ministry officials also claimed that ipso facto a case under UAPA would be made out to continue the ban on Simi of its activities and membership was continuing. “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.
This is important since evidence of such activities in form of FIRs are required to be produced before the Tribunal,” the home ministry added.in its communication.
SIMI, which officials claimed has been found to be involved in terror activities in the past, has been on the banned list of organisations since 2001. In 2014 the ban on SIMI was further extended for a period of five years.
Some of the cases in which SIMI’s role has come to light include serial blasts in Mumbai suburban trains in 2006 in which 187 people were killed. The group was involved in blasts in Gujarat in 2008 in which at least 45 people were killed.