The Centre has extended the ban on Students Islamic Movement of India, SIMI by two years under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act beginning Sunday. This is the fifth extension of the ban since 2001. Home Ministry officials told newsmen in New Delhi that the decision was taken after security agencies have found evidence of SIMI planning and executing terror strikes in the country. SIMI was declared outlawed for the first time in September 2001 for its involvement in terrorist acts and the ban was extended in 2003 and 2006. The last ban on SIMI was extended on February 8, 2008.