Sydney: Australia, on April 11 banned Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar- e- Jhangvi and four other terror outfits, all linked to al-Qaida network, making it possible to prosecute under tough anti-terrorism laws anyone who cooperates with them.

Asbat al-Ansar, Egyptian Islamic Jihad, the Islamic Army of Aden and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan are the other outfits listed as terrorist organisations by John Howard's government in a gazetted regulation on April 11 following listings of these groups as terrorist organisations by United Nations (UN) Security Council.

The listing would deter Australians from becoming involved in their activities. It would strengthen Australia's ability to prosecute related offences under the counter- terrorism laws, which make it an offence to belong to, direct, recruit for, train with or provide training for, and receive funds from or make funds available to a terrorist organisation, whether in Australia or abroad.

These offences carry penalties of up to 25 years imprisonment. JeM was involved in the October 2001 attack on Jammu and Kashmir Assembly and December 2001 attack on Indian Parliament. It is believed to be responsible, with Lashkar-e-Toiba, for the recent massacre of 24 Kashmiri Pandits.

JeM draws substantial resources from Harakat-ul-Mujahideen, which was a signatory to Osama bin Laden's 'International Front for Jihad' against the US.

PTI