Government extends ban on SIMI, quietly

The Centre has extended the ban on Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) for two more years under Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, 1967.

Apparently conscious that the news of ban can pose problems for Congress in the on-going UP elections, where Muslim votes could be a deciding factor, the ministry of home affairs chose not to put up an official press release like it does in other cases. But the effort may prove futile as Muslim organisations have decided to oppose the ban.

Terming the ban illegal and unjustified, former SIMI president SQR Ilyas, who is currently spokesman of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) said, “The ban has no basis. After every two years, the IB and the Police catch some innocent youth and frame cases against them to justify the ban. We will take this issue to the people and expose the government.”