Shah seeks removal of security; J

Srinagar, Apr 6 (UNI) Democratic Freedom Party (DFP) Chief Shabir Ahmed Shah has urged the Jammu and Kashmir government to withdraw security guards from his residence to enable the general public to meet him without any difficulty, but the authorities promptly turned down his request in view of ''high degree'' of threat perception.

Sources said Mr Shah had requested the authorities to withdraw the security guards posted at his residence in uptown Rawalpora area here so that the people do not face any difficulty when they come to meet him.

He said the government had thrust the security personnel on him and he has been asking for their removal for a long time now.

The DFP Chief said the visitors felt uncomfortable as the guards used to frisk them before entering the house. ''I do not face threat from anyone, but the state itself,'' he said.

The sources said the security would not be withdrawn as Mr Shah had not submitted any written request and the decision will be taken only after proper review of the threat perception.

UNI AG ARB RAI1834