In a decisive move, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has prolonged the ban on the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) for an additional five years. The radical Islamic outfit, initially banned in September 2001, has faced successive extensions due to its alleged involvement in terrorism, disturbing peace, and threatening the sovereignty of India.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, announcing the decision on social media, emphasized the government’s commitment to zero tolerance against terrorism. SIMI, notorious for its divisive activities, split in 2005 into a moderate faction led by Shahid Badr Falahi and a radical faction led by Safdar Nagori. The latter’s leaders, including Riyaz Bhatkal and Iqbal Bhatkal, later formed the Indian Mujahideen (IM) in collaboration with Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT).
The ban extension comes as a response to SIMI’s continued role in fomenting terrorism, with leaders orchestrating attacks like those on PM Narendra Modi’s rally in Patna (2013), Bodhgaya temple, trains in Chennai, Bangalore’s Church Street, Roorkee, and other locations between 2007 and 2013.
Despite the ban, SIMI operatives have been reportedly active in various states, posing challenges for law enforcement. The MHA’s decision received support from multiple state governments, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.
The notification warned of SIMI’s potential to disrupt the secular fabric of the country, propagate anti-national sentiments, and escalate secessionism by supporting militancy. The organization’s involvement in training camps and meetings aimed at avenging alleged atrocities against Muslims further underscored the need for an extended ban.
As concerns grow over the resurgence of SIMI’s subversive activities and the reorganization of absconding activists, the government’s move reflects a proactive stance in safeguarding national security and maintaining communal harmony.
Aastha Kumari 
Dhairya Saraswat