A look at two allied Islamic militant groups mentioned by Indian officials in connection with Monday's bombings in Bombay.
STUDENTS ISLAMIC MOVEMENT OF INDIA, or SIMI
HISTORY: Formed in 1977 in Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state. Praised al-Qaida's Osama bin Laden as ``champion and true savior of Islam.'' Accused of supporting secessionists, advocating violence and working for an international Islamic order. Blamed in five explosions in Bombay in last six months.
LEGAL STATUS: Banned in India after Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
GOALS: Declared holy war against India. Advocates ``liberation of India'' through conversion to Islam through violence.
MEMBERSHIP: Estimates of up to 20,000 members.
LASHKAR-E-TAYYABA
HISTORY: Name means ``Army of the Pure.'' Rooted in 1980s resistance to Soviet-occupation in Afghanistan. Largest Pakistan-based group operating in divided Kashmir region, fighting Indian security forces there since 1989. It, another Pakistan-based militant group and Pakistan's spy agency blamed for December 2001 attack on India's Parliament that killed 14 people. Pakistan and both groups deny charge.
LEGAL STATUS: Banned by Indian government on Oct. 25, 2001.
GOALS: Seeks Muslim-majority Kashmir's merger with Islamic Pakistan. Seeks to unite Muslim majority regions in countries surrounding Pakistan.
MEMBERSHIP: Around 2,000 members, according to police in Indian- controlled Kashmir.
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Sources: Institute for Conflict
Management, Associated Press reports.