UPA not in favour of ban on SIMI, alleges BJP

New Delhi, Aug 9 (UNI) The Bharatiya Janata Party today blamed the UPA government for its failure in providing proof to ban the Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI).

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha L K Advani said, ''SIMI had been banned during the NDA regime between 2001-2003 after providing sufficient proof before the tribunal/court to uphold the ban on the organisation.'' The Congress-led UPA government was showing soft policies on SIMI and its alliance partners welcomed the decision of lifting ban on the organisation which has been spreading violence in the country, he said while addressing Yuva Kranti Rally, organised by party's youth wing, BJYM here.

A single judge tribunal of the Delhi High Court recently lifted the ban on SIMI and but later the Supreme Court stayed the decision.

''The Central security and intelligence agencies had claimed that SIMI has been involved in various serial blasts in Delhi, Mumbai and recently in Bangalore and Ahmedabad. The Centre had deliberately withheld the proof against the organisation, thereby absolving the ban on the militant organisation,'' BJP President Rajnath Singh alleged.

If the Supreme Court had not stayed the High Court's decision, the SIMI would have been freed from all allegations, he maintained.

BJP and Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha leaders expressed deep concern over security situation in the country.

Vijay Kumar Malhotra, Sushma Swaraj and other leaders also spoke on the occasion.

UNI KK RP HS1828