SIMI threat: Sangharsh Samiti seeks ''security''

Jammu, Oct 26 (UNI) Following the alleged threat calls and a letter from the banned Students Islamic Movement of India (SIMI), which has been linked to Indian Mujahideen, the Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangarsh Samiti (SAYSS) today sought ''security'' to all its members and appealed the state government to keep close watch on anti-national elements.

''Late night on October 20, I received a threatening call of being killed followed by a letter from SIMI allegedly threatening of dire consequences,'' Leela Karan Sharma, convenor SAYSS, told newspersons at a press conference here.

Mr Sharma alleged that the call was from SIMI outfit and a copy of letter had been handed over to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu.

''Government should provide adequate security to the members of the Sangharsh Samiti following threatening calls and a letter,'' SAYSS convenor said.

''The threat has been received through a letter, written in Hindi and signed by the activists of SIMI from Meerut unit and was received by post,'' he added.

Two Private Security Officers (PSOs) have been provided to Mr Sharma while he also demanded tight security arrangements for rest of the members of the Samiti.

Meanwhile, Mr Sharma said the Sangharsh Samiti would actively participate in the electoral process and cast their votes to the candidates with ideology of nationalism.

''We will not campaign for any of the party but cast our votes only to the nationalist candidate assuring development of Jammu region,'' added Mr Sharma.

The SAYSS convenor however, asserted that some of the demands agreed between the Samiti and the government, are yet to be considered as two-month duration is going to end on October 31 and further course of action would be decided by the committee members soon.

The SAYSS was a conglomerate of around 45 social, political and religious organisations that spearheaded the two-month long agitation demanding restoration of 800 kanals of land to the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board.

However, the land was ''exclusively'' set aside for the use of Shrine Board after an agreement signed between the government representatives and the Sangharsh Samiti on August 31.

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