JOIN US Britain today banned terrorist outfit Indian Mujahideen (IM), citing the group's "indiscriminate mass casualty attacks" in India which "posed a threat" to British nationals there.
Members of UK's House of Commons unanimously approved a motion last night proscribing IM and placing it on the list of 47 organisations that have been banned from functioning in UK.
"Indian Mujahideen is a terrorist organisation which has carried out a number of indiscriminate mass casualty attacks in India since 2007. It uses violence to achieve its stated objectives of establishing an Islamic state in India and implementing Sharia law," Home Secretary Theresa May said.
She added: "Proscribing Indian Mujahideen sends a clear message that we condemn its activities and enables the UK to demonstrate our commitment to counter-terrorism to our international partners."
The ban on LeT linked group was slapped based on available evidence and information and it comes into effect from tonight which makes it a criminal offence to join and support it.
Setting out the reasons for proscribing IM, Home Office Minister James Brokenshire told the House of Commons that the decision was "not taken lightly" but after thoroughly reviewing all the available information and evidence about IM.
Brokenshire said IM "has frequently perpetrated attacks against civilian targets such as markets with the intention of maximising casualties... The organisation has also publicly threatened to attack British tourists, so they clearly pose a threat to British nationals in India."
India had banned IM in June 2010 after it was suspected of involvement in the attack on a Pune bakery. IM was also banned in other countries, including the United States and New Zealand.
While a number of IM cadres have either been killed or apprehended, top leadership including its chief Riyaz Bhatkal is beleived to be based in Pakistan.