The Government on Monday extended the ban on Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) as an ‘Unlawful Association’ for a further period of five years under Section 3(1) of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967.

The last ban on SIMI was imposed, vide Gazette Notification Number S.O. 564(E), dated the 31st January 2019.

SIMI was founded in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh in 1977 with the mission of liberating India by converting it to an Islamic land. The government first branded it as a “terrorist organisation” in 2001.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has said that “SIMI is continuing to be involved in fomenting terrorism, disturbing 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, it added.