Ban on SIMI

Sir, - This has reference to Mr. Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer's article on the Centre's ban on Students Islamic Movement of India (Oct. 4), an organisation with a strong slant need not necessarily be a communal organisation. To espouse Islamic tenets is not a communal act. The question is not whether SIMI is a communal organisation, but whether SIMI and its members are involved in terrorist activities. If they are, then the Government has the statutory power to ban the organisation. It will be a fallacy to say that every religious organisation is a communal organisation. Terrorism need not always be connected with organised religion. It is incorrect to comment on the Centre's action in banning SIMI without understanding on what material or information the action was taken.

There is no law at present to mandate the Centre to publicise the cause for banning SIMI. The law as it presently stands makes it incumbent on the Centre to give adequate opportunity to the SIMI to defend its cause and militate against the ban in the tribunal constituted for the purpose. Unless such an opportunity is denied to the banned organisation, there is no cause for complaint.

P. Chandrasekhar,

Kochi

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