The Home Ministry today banned AQIS (al-Qaeda in Indian subcontinent) and all its manifestation under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)

AQIS is reportedly headed by Sanaul Haq aka Maulana Asim Umar, who hails from Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh.

The government has also banned the Islamic State of Iraq and the Sham-Khorasan (ISIS-K), an Afghanistan-based affiliate of ISIS.

The ministry said these groups were "radicalising Indian youths for 'global jihad' and encouraging terror acts on Indian interests".

The AQIS, an affiliate of al-Qaeda, is a terrorist organisation, which has committed acts of terrorism in the neighbouring countries and has been promoting and encouraging terror acts on Indian interests in the Indian sub-continent, the ministry said, adding that it has been attempting to radicalise and recruit Indian youths.

The ISKP/ISIS Wilayat Khorasan is also promoting and encouraging terrorism in the Indian sub-continent, according to the government.

The outfit, which has now been banned, considers India and Indian interests as its targets and is engaged in activities of radicalising and recruiting Indian youth for terror activities, the home ministry order said.

"The recruitment of youth by the said organization from India and their radicalisation are a matter of serious concern for the national security and international peace," the government maintained.

AQIS is reportedly headed by Sanaul Haq aka Maulana Asim Umar, who hails from Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh.