15 SIMI operatives planning next strike: detainee

The recent crackdown on activists of the banned Students Islamic Movement of India in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, may have given investigating agencies plenty to smile about. During the operation, SIMI leaders like Safdar Nagori, one of the outfit's leaders, were picked up. However, the big question remains: have the security forces done enough to crack SIMI or is there still a long way to go?

In this connection, the narco-test conducted on Riazuddin Nasir alias Mohammed Ghouse, a SIMI activist who was arrested from Honalli in north Karnataka in November 2007, is very revealing.

In his narco-test, Ghouse said at least 15 SIMI activists, who are experts at assembling bombs, are currently stationed in various parts of the country.

He also revealed that 40 SIMI activists (including Nagori) from around the country had met in Hubli, Karnataka, last year when they were taught how to assemble a bomb. At the end of the session, the 40 operatives assembled a bomb and carried it back with them, sources said.

According to the narco test, it was decided that they would strike in various parts of the country using the bombs, which only needed a timer device to be attached before use.

Intelligence Bureau officials told rediff.com that the police tracked down the SIMI activists in Indore based on information obtained from Ghouse's narco analysis.

Ghouse revealed at least 15 SIMI operatives are still at large and that each of them has an assembled bomb with him. He added that they are to meet once again to decide on the target and time of attack. Likely targets include Karnataka, Goa and Madhya Pradesh, he said.

IB sources say a massive manhunt has been launched to track down these missing men. The agency is gathering telephone intercepts and other information, which includes statements made by those arrested in Madhya Pradesh.

Nagori's interrogation gives a clearer picture, the sources added. Based on his interrogation, the IB said SIMI had split into two factions -- the moderate Misba-ul-Islam faction and the Nagori faction. According to Nagori, of SIMI's 400 members, the bulk, around 300 members, have joined his faction.