Home ministry writes to all state government for info on SIMI

The Centre has written to state governments seeking an update on the activities of radical students group SIMI 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 ninistry said the ban imposed on the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) 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 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,” the letter sent joint secretary in the ministry, SCL 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.

The home ministry said it is essential to watch the activities of SIMI and if its membership continues then ‘ipso facto’ a case of unlawful activity under the law is made out.

“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 the evidence of such activities in the form of FIRs and charge sheets are required to be produced before the Tribunal,” the communication said.

NEWDELHI: