February 08, 2008	Friday	Muharram 29, 1429

NEW DELHI, Feb 7: India on Thursday re-imposed a ban on a pan-Islamic students’ organisation with suspected links to Muslim militant groups, a report said.

The Press Trust of India quoting unnamed government officials said the ban, which was first imposed in 2001 on the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), would be renewed after its expiry on Thursday midnight.

“The ban, which is in force until today, will be re-imposed tomorrow for two more years,” a home ministry official said, adding the decision was taken by the security cabinet.

New Delhi says it suspects links between SIMI and pro-Pakistan guerilla organisations which are blamed for carrying out attacks in India.

“The decision to continue the ban on SIMI was taken as the group continues to indulge in unlawful activities,” Press Trust quoted the unnamed official as saying.—AFP