New Delhi: Special Tribunal Lifts Ban on SIMI


New Delhi: Special Tribunal Lifts Ban on SIMI

PTI


New Delhi, Aug 6: A Special Tribunal on Tuesday lifted the ban imposed by the Centre on the activities of the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI) saying there was no fresh evidence to justify the extension of the measure first clamped in 2001.

The order by Justice Geeta Mittal of the Delhi High Court, who headed the specially-designated tribunal, came at a time when there is speculation of SIMI role in the serial blasts in Ahmedabad and Bangalore. The ban has been extended thrice.

The judge held that the Centre had given no new evidence against SIMI to warrant the extension of the ban and asked the Centre to justify the measure, a top law officer said. The government, however, maintains that the outfit is still unlawful.

NEW DELHI: The Union home ministry on Tuesday night said it would appeal against the tribunal order.

ET

Simi has been involved in several terror attacks, including the 7/11 Mumbai train blasts, and is also the prime suspect behind the recent serial bombings in Ahmedabad and Bangalore. Intelligence agencies are convinced that the recent blasts were carried out by “local elements,” right from the planning to the actual execution, even though they may have been inspired by an organised foreign terror group like LeT or Huji.” Simi is the obvious suspect here as it has a track record of having offered logistical support to groups like LeT, Jaish and Huji to carry out several major terror attacks over the last few years.

Of course, the intelligence in what could give credence to the charge that the government is soft on terror, a special tribunal headed by Justice Geeta Mittal declined to uphold the ban on the Students Islamic Movement of India (Simi), saying the government had not furnished the required evidence to justify it as an “unlawful association.”
“Material given by the home ministry is insufficient, so the ban cannot be continued,” Justice Mittal, a sitting judge of the Delhi high court, said in a sealed order handed over to the ministry. The Centre had favoured a ban by contending that 53 fresh cases had been registered against Simi since February 2006. agencies now believe that Simi has acquired both the expertise and professionalism to assemble bombs, that too with local materials , and plan the explosions to the most minute detail.

The local element in the terror attacks of late is evident from the total radio silence that precedes and follows the strike. “There is absolutely no intercept of communications between the attackers and their possible masterminds across the border these days... the local outfits like Simi have become self-sufficient , thanks to their wide network running through several states like Maharashtra , UP, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Kerala,” an intelligence official pointed out.

The tribunal order rejecting the ban on Simi comes even as the agencies had achieved a major success earlier this year in the arrest of virtually the entire Simi brass in raids conducted by the Madhya Pradesh police on their hideouts in Indore and Ujjain. The arrested leaders, 13 in all, included Simi de-facto chief Safdar Nagori. Their interrogation revealed how the outfit had been recruiting and training young Muslims in north Karnataka, besides holding regular meetings of the top leadership across venues in Kerala, Hubli and Ujjain to plan terror attacks and subversive activities.

On Friday, the Union home secretary, flanked by officials from the IB, had briefed the tribunal about “fresh evidence” to substantiate a proposed ban on Simi as an “unlawful association.”

Justice Gita Mittal, who heads the Unlawful Activities (Prevention ) Tribunal, heard the officials in an in-camera proceeding before reserving the case for final orders . Their presence in court was a direct result of the tribunal demanding “fresh material” to “connect” the organisation to “bomb blasts, riots, destructive activities.”

“You say that Simi is connected to bomb blasts, riots, destructive activities. Place specific material before me, you (Centre) cannot presume their involvement,” she had observed at an open hearing last week.

The tribunal was hearing a challenge from Simi against a February 7, notification from the MHA declaring it an “unlawful association indulging in activities prejudicial to the security of the country” and with “potential of disturbing peace and communal harmony.”


3 More Suspected SIMI Acivists Held

ENS

BELGAUM: The Anti-Terrorist Cell (ATC) attached to Belgaum Police Department is said to have arrested three more youths believed to be activists of the banned SIMI organisation, on Tuesday.

According to sources, the arrested have been identified as Naveed Khaji and Ansar Nizami, both from Malmaruti area, and Sadiq Mulla of Azad Nagar.

The cell has arrested them based on the information given by Tanveer Mulla and Iqbal Jakati, those who were arrested recently.With the arrest of these three, the number of arrested suspected activists of the SIMI organisation in the district rose to 11.

However, when contacted, SP Sonia Narang said that police have not arrested any one.

Meanwhile, the JMFC Third Court remanded Tanveer Mulla to judicial custody on Tuesday. Munna was handed over to police custody for two days when he was produced before the JMFC court judge on Sunday.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Shridhar, Karnataka

    Thu, Aug 07 2008

    Bhajarang Dal and RSS are the protectors of the nation and also they safe guard our people.

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  • pandurang pai, mlore

    Thu, Aug 07 2008

    Respected Citizens of India, Lifting the ban on SIMI is nothing but a way to convince the vote bank for the coming elections by UPA. No one is bothered of this nation. Its all in the ball game. Do not blame UPA or NDA. They are all the same. If you are fed up with the national parties and think of supporting any regional party, they are no better than the others. The country is drowning in corruption. ITs the quest for power.

    YOu and me will do the same if you get into dirty politics and its must to survive. Remember the theory of Darwin. Survival of the fittest. What did BJP do when they came to power . NOTHING. They came to power because of hindutva and Ram Mandir and then they forgot their main agenda. Why we blame Muslims. They are fighting a holy war to protect their religion, thats what they say. Are we ready to die for the religion. No, we shall not.

    Day is not far when you will witness a genocide in India too. Now you are watching in the other countries. It has to happen if the religion is threatened. I pledge muslims in India to live in respect and learn to respect others. No true Indian of any other religion will harm you if you start loving your nation. Its a handful of paid terrorists trying to create tension in the society. Also like to mention another thing regarding the leaders. Hope the world is watching the American Election. Learn from them. No leader is born for lifetime like India.

    One who works for people will survive. They have no god mothers or god fathers like in India. Do you think that there is no other leader other than SONIA to lead congress party in this country. We have so many senior leaders who are ready to kiss her feet. The truth is that its not due to respect. They know that this name GANDHI given by Mahathma to Indiras husband it still a crowd puller in this country. It can keep them in power on if SONIA is allowed to lead. These  Rural people still think that this is the family of GANDHI who bought us freedom. No one knows the reality that its INA and SUBASH CHANDRA BOSE who started lifting arms against the British made them quit this country. GANDHIS nonviolence was just for name sake. BRITISH hated INDIAN NATIONAL ARMY and hence the British started dialouge with GANDHI and party. Gandhi and others took the advantage and the real freedom fighters of INA went missing. I do not want to go deep. This is a never ending saga.

    INDIANS wake up. Hindu, Muslims, Christians, Sikhs and others wake up. Protect you nation first and then your religion. Otherwise one who thinks of saving his religion and wagging war will be wiped out.

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  • Lancelot Norbert Tauro, Manglore - Doha qatar

    Wed, Aug 06 2008

    It's quiet interesting to read the comments from different community people rathar than actual news published by media. Very Good, Brave readers.

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  • Shareef Moideen, Mangalore/Saudi Arabia

    Wed, Aug 06 2008

    Those people who oppose the verdict of the special tribunal, please don't forget the court verdict regarding the Adi Udupi incident. If it can be welcomed by Sangh Parivar supporters, Special Tribunal verdict should be supported and welcomed by the same people who did celebrated by welcoming the culprits with some fire crackers and garlands.

    No wrongdoings can be supported by any means regardless of religion, if all the christians supported George Bush , all the Muslims supported Osama Bin Laden and all the Hindus accepted the idealogy of Hindutva. Our great land would have been wiped from the Map. The only solution for India to be developed nation is to get rid of all religious issue and to implement rigid law against those people who promote communalism.

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  • Imran Kaup, Dubai

    Wed, Aug 06 2008

    Helloo Ban all the Anti Society or Anti National Committies.... all the anti socital commities RSS, KFD, VHP,SIMI, BAJRANG DAL and so on and on ... These are the organizations cause for the Communal viloence these are commities destroying the peace and normal living of society ... BAN THESE ORGANIZATIONS

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  • Vikram,

    Wed, Aug 06 2008

    Reproduced is a portion of news report from The Dawn (a Pak daily established by none other than Mr. Muhammed Ali Jihhan: "Addressing a press conference on Tuesday in Anayat Kalley, some eight kilometres from the agency headquarters of the Bajaur Agency, the Tehrik’s deputy chief Maulana Faqir Mohammad and spokesman Maulvi Omar said that a ‘Fidayeen Squad’, comprising 10- to 20-year-old boys and girls, was ready to carry out the attacks if the government did not immediately stop the operation in Swat and did not reverse its decision to launch military operation in other tribal areas. "

    What is the level of knowledge a 10 year old kid (or even a 20 years old youth) have about the US imperialism or Zionist consipiracy other than what fed to them by the religious zealots? Why do you want to make them cannon-fodder?

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  • Ashraf Ali, Ujire/Jubail, Saudi Arabia

    Wed, Aug 06 2008

    Police is arresting SIMI activists and the government fails to provide proof to the High Court. What drama is going on here in our country? Indian Politics/politicians can do anything for Power and Money. For the information of all those who blame Muslims as Anti-Nationals, these so called SIMI activities (if they are really doing what we read in the media) are against the teaching of Islam and we all should condemn all kind of terrorism irrespective of the religion.

     Indian Muslims are proud to be “Indians” and they love their country as much as a Hindu, a Christian, a Sikh and any other Indians love.

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  • saleem koorathabail, Puttur/Dubai

    Wed, Aug 06 2008

    If you have to arrested more muslim youths believed to be activists of the banned SIMI organisation, a question arises in my mind that as thousands of VHP & BAJARNAGDAL Hindu youths openly rioted in Gujarath, did you arrest them ?

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  • umar shafi saif, Mangalore

    Wed, Aug 06 2008

    Recent events and propaganda in media indicate that either the Indian Government or some of its secret agencies have hatched their own ‘war on terror’ in India. It is being carried on by targeting hundreds of educated Muslim youth in Madhya Pradesh, UP, AP, Karnataka and some other States in the name of SIMI..

    SIMI which was banned by BJP-led government in 2001, under concocted and unsubstantiated charges of illegal activities. This initial two-year ban was reimposed in 2003, 2005 and 2007. The Apex Court is yet to find time to hear the petitions questioning the bans. Up to now no illegal activity of SIMI has been proved in any court of law.

    Their functionaries have been cleared and released in all cases. During last two months the BJP Government of Madhya Pradesh launched an offensive against the now prescribed youth organisation by arresting scores of its former members and harassing hundreds of unconnected people. High voltage propaganda has been launched against the organisation and all sorts of imaginable and unimaginable allegations are being made against its former adherents.

    It appears that they do not have any basic human rights as they are not being allowed to prove their innocence. They appear to be guilty unless proven innocent. An impression is being created that the SIMI was behind all bomb blasts during the last decade. The Muslim community is alarmed at this turn of events. They want to know who after all is behind this sustained smear campaign against the community. Why this tactics of intimidation, demonisation and marginalisation? This confirms the worst doubt that the secret agencies, in which fascists are well-entrenched, are bolstering the anti-Muslim sentiments which are always present in the Indian atmosphere.

    Some observes say that the systematic demonisation of Muslims is not only aimed at polarisation of votes in the coming elections. This is a part of the efforts to pave the way for permanent marginalisation of the community. Their aim is to demoralise the entire community especially its young generation. Unfortunately the media is faithfully reproducing the police stories with added ingredients without verifying or investigating the facts, which is their professional duty. Implication of educated Muslim youth has alarmed the corporate sector. They are preferring not to employ Muslim youth. The time does not seem to be far away when every educated Muslim youth has to wear a CBI-issued certificate of his non-terrorist past to procure a job.

    Throwing to wind all norms of propriety and professional ethics, some bar associations have resolved not to extend any legal help to the SIMI accused. Yes Going thru all these facts & truths Supreme Court of India has given a justified verdict. A welcome verdict by Supreme Court of India. This verdict reflects that Justice is not completely decayed in India. Only verdit is not enough. It has further responsibilities too.

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  • Ganesh, Mangalore

    Wed, Aug 06 2008

    Dear Steve,Just because you hate Hindu organisation,do not support the others who are involved in killings and terrorist activity.Here please understand that "your enemy's enemy is not your friend",he is enemy to all and even for himself.Please be mature enough while commenting.

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  • A R U Permude, Permude

    Wed, Aug 06 2008

    Shocking !! if no fresh evidence to justify the extension of the measure first clamped in 2001, then Is the ban on first place was Justified ?!? Is Intelligent working on evidence or on pressure of Political parties ?!

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  • Steve- Attawar, Mangalore

    Wed, Aug 06 2008

    A great welcome & secular verdict by supreme court of india. Hope India is leading towards a non-communal power. An unforgettable shame to communal sangha parivar. Jai Hind.

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  • Naveen, Udupi / UAE

    Wed, Aug 06 2008

    This is the political agenda of Congress party to please the Muslim community. Muslims are going away from congress because of nuclear deal (courtesy Maya & group), even though deal is good for India.

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  • Srikanth Shetty, Mangalore/Muscat

    Wed, Aug 06 2008

    This is India. Last few months I am reading so many comments about the politician, parties, Blast, communal fights etc. and now how come nobody supported for Lifting the Ban for SIMI?

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  • Abid, Udupi

    Wed, Aug 06 2008

    Should Indian Politics be made an Olympic sport? Yes No. Please vote.

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  • K.S.Poojary, Bikarnakatte/KSA

    Wed, Aug 06 2008

    Nothing to worry about it, the only solution for this is to bring some amendment in Indian constitution. We can’t expect this by current UPA government. You will see BJP in power at center shortly.BJP is only the hope for future India.

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  • Krishna, Mangalore/ Miami

    Wed, Aug 06 2008

    Shocking!! Our investigating agencies have been a big disappontment.Considering the lameduck and 'benevolent' attitudes of our leadership, it wont be surprising to see Osama and his assorted bunch of mullahs and talibanis shift base to India! One can bomb, maim and kill and get away with it.

    We hope that the agencies provide adequate information, sooner than later, and gain the trust of the citizens. Hope they dont drag their feet and hide behind legal inanities, for the sake of our country.

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  • Simon Lasrado, Sullia/Bangalore

    Wed, Aug 06 2008

    Really shocking news that simi group is spared.They are the people who organize all these anti national activities.God alone can save us from these terrists.

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  • Rashmi Srinivas, Mangalore/USA

    Wed, Aug 06 2008

    Quite shocking and dissapointing judgement.Cant blame the judiciary though,they are only going according to the facts presented to them,But I am really shocked that the investigating agencies are not providing them enough proof,though its an open known fact that these organisations are actively involved in anti-india activities.God save my mother land:(

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Title: New Delhi: Special Tribunal Lifts Ban on SIMI



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