Srinagar, Sept 10: Senior National Conference leader and prominent Shia cleric Maulvi Ifthikar Hussain Ansari today accused the Mufti Mohammmed Sayeed government of deliberately downgrading the security of his political opponents so that they could become an easy prey for militants. A day after he claimed to have survived an attempt on his life, Ansari told reporters "I have been attacked at least four times while I was discharging my religious duties."

He claimed that his security had been downgraded despite the fact that he was under a severe threat. "If Mufti government is trying to eliminate us in this way, it is doing a great disservice to the nation," he said. Asked who could be responsible for his the attempt on his life, he said "it can be anyone. It can be militants who might be copying the sectarian fanaticism of Pakistan...."

Reacting to the government decision of overtaking Muslim Aquaf Trust, Ansari said "Mufti Sayeed is setting a wrong precedent as it would strengthen the Hindutava forces in country who want government interference in all Muslim institutions."

Bureau Report