Reference to CM's ISI links result of abortive IB raid:Mulayam

Lucknow, Aug 23 (UNI) Reacting to a book by a former Intelligence Bureau official alleging that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and some legislators have links to ISI, Mr Singh wondered whether the claim was due to a failed raid on Nadwa -- a prominent Muslim seminary.

The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister said, chapter 12 of 'Fulcrum of evil: ISI, CIA and Al Quaeda nexus' by former joint director of IB Moloy Krishna Dhar claiming his links with ISI, was just a ''reaction'' to the central organisation's ''failed raid'' on Nadwa in 1995.

Replying to the issue raised by BJP in the state legislative assembly, Mr Yadav said the IB had raided Nadwa here in 1995.

''But, when I intervened and got the raid aborted, IB officials were furious...I had even got FIRs lodged against them,'' he said.

He also maintained the writer had a BJP mindset, which made him make such remarks.

Meanwhile, Mr Dhar told UNI over telephone from New Delhi he would not like to comment on a politician's reaction. ''I have written, whatever I had to say...I will not say anything more,'' he underlined.

Mr Yadav's reaction came months after Mr Dhar's book hit the stands.

The matter was initially raised by BJP leaders Keshrinath Tripathi and Lalji Tandon, who read portions from the book in the house.

Reacting to the BJP's move, SP legislators raised a din in the house. But, BJP clarified since the book had not mentioned the name of Mr Yadav having links with ISI, the BJP too would not like to reach at any conclusion. ''But, this is a serious matter,'' said Mr Tripathi.

The raid, which had created a furore in political circles, was carried out at Nadwa in search of some suspects involved in kidnapping of two British tourists.

Mr Yadav said he had taken strong note of the raid at Nadwa and even ordered lodging of criminal cases against the IB officials.

UNI NAB VS YA MIR RN2022