Lashkar-e-Toiba threatens to blow 15 key temples in Punjab, J and K

Lashkar-e-Toiba threatens to blow 15 key temples in Punjab, J and K
Punjab Newsline Network http://www.punjabnewsline.com/content/lashkar-e-toiba-threatens-blow-15-key-temples-punjab-j-and-k/31250
Tuesday, 24 May 2011
By Sameer Kaura
PHAGWARA: Panic again gripped the town as two letters threatening that terror group Lashkar-e-Toiba(LeT) will blow up 15 key temples in Punjab J&K and Himachal Pradesh on June 5 to avenge the killing of al Qaeda chief Osama Bin Laden were received by police here yesterday..

One letter warns Hindus against undertaking pilgrimage to Amarnath cave and Mata Vaishno Devi shrines in Jammu and Kashmir.

One of the letters, which were purported to have been written by LeT Area Commander Karim Ansari, warned Hindus against undertaking pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave and Mata Vaishno Devi shrines in Jammu and Kashmir.

Phagwara DSP Sandip Sharma while confirming it told here today that the letters were received by the priest of local Sheetla Mata Mandir Kamal Kishor.

Another letter threatens that 8 important temples of Himachal Pradesh and several important temples of Punjab, including Hanuman Garhi Madir, Sheetla Mata Mandirs of Phagwara and Kapurthala, Shri Kali Mata Mandir of Patiala and Durgiana Mandir of Amritsar will be targeted with bombs.

The Hand written letters in Hindi claimed that more than 40 Lashkar-e-Toiba activists have entered Punjab which would be made the first target for taking revenge of bin Laden's death.

The letters warned certain prominent Shiv Sena leaders were on the target of LeT and there will be largescale bloodshed of Hindus and Sikhs. They especially mention the names of Shiv Sena Presidents of Kapurthala, Patiala and Amritsar districts.

It was also warned, Hindus and Sikhs of their large scale massacre if,the warning of Laskere-Tauba would not be taken seriously.

The letter was posted at the address ie Kamal Kishore Sharma Sewadar Pacca Rawan Near (Sheetla Mandir Phagwara District Kapurthala). It may be mentioned here that different threatening letters on the name of said Area Commander Karim Ansari were earlier have also been sent and received in Hanuman Garrhi and Phagwara Railway Station and Bus stand Phagwara in the past and police made elaborate security arrangements to prevent any mishap,but the threatening dates passed peacefully.

Meanwhile DSP Sandip Sharma Investigating Officer told that though previous threatening letters were proved fake,but even then police would not take any risk and all security cum preventive measures would be taken.

The Tribune has learnt that local police has informed all high Police Officers of Punjab Police including DGP,ADGP,ADGP Intelligence, IG,DIG and SSP and actively working on high alert.