Geelani once again attacked by Shiv Sainiks in Jammu

Jammu, Nov 23 (UNI) Breakaway Hurriyat Conference Chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani today escaped unhurt when Shiv Sena activists allegedly attacked him near the Press Club here.

Hurriyat sources told UNI that Mr Geelani was addressing a news conference at the Jammu Press Club this afternoon, and when he came out, the Shiv Sena activists attacked him.

However, the leader escaped unhurt due to the timely action by his supporters, they said.

The Shiv Sainiks later pelted stones on Mr Geelni's vehicle, but he once again escaped unhurt.

Mr Geelani, accompanied by senior Hurriyat leader Ghulam Nabi Sumjhi, arrived here early this morning.

This was the second attack on the firebrand leader in Jammu this year. Earlier on June 10, a group of Shiv Sena activists disrupted his news conference at a hotel there.

The moment Mr Geelani entered the news conference room and seated himself in a chair to address mediapersons, Shiv Sena activists stormed into the hotel and dismantled the mike system.

However, Mr Geelani's supporters had laid a cordon around him to prevent the Shiv Sainiks from manhandling the separatist leader.

UNI AG/VJ VD BST2230