CM's security agencies mounts ''extra vigil''

Jammu, Apr 27 (UNI) Apprehending more assassination bids on Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad's life, security agencies in Jammu and Kashmir have mounted ''extra vigil'' after foiling two militant attempts on him at pubic rallies in both Jammu and Kashmir regions, sources today said.

''After these assassination bids (on Mr Azad's life), the security and intelligence agencies have been put on extra vigil,'' a top security official told UNI on condition of anonymity.

Total seven militants, including their Over Ground Workers (OGW), belonging to Paskistan-headquartered Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) were arrested in connection with two assassination bids on the Chief Minister during public rallies at Ramban here last week and Bondipora, Kashmir yesterday.

''Involvement of dreaded LeT and HM masterminds behind both the bids is a matter of serious concern for security and intelligence agencies,'' sources said.

Security and intelligence official believe that Mr Azad's noticeable moves towards peace process and his firm stand against demilitarisation had become s matter of concern for the militants.

''Militants and their well-wishers do not want any permanent solution to the vexed Kashmir issue and peace in the region.

''Security authorities believe that Kashmir issue has become a business in the state, which if solved, would render many people without work. So, they will never let the Union and state governments reach a solution to this issue,'' sources said, asserting that the Chief Minister's security had been put on high alert as more such attempts by the militants could not be ruled out completely.

On the behest of militant outfits, separatist forces in J and K have always opposed the peace process initiated by the Central government.

Separatists had also boycotted the third round table conference on April 24, organised by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at New Delhi.

United Jehad Council president and HM's supreme commander Syed Sallahudin was yesterday quoted by local news agencies describing third RTC as a ''drama staged for India's support''.

Security agencies of the Chief Minister would have to remain highly alert of militant informers within the security forces, sources asserted.

UNI