09 October 2004	Saturday	23 Shaban 1425

KHAIRPUR, Oct 8: Defying a ban on public meetings, the Millat-i-Islamia Pakistan organized a "Difa-i-Sahaba Conference" in Jamia Hyderia here on Friday with strict security measures taken by the administration.

Speaking at the conference, the MIP leaders including, its chief Allama Ali Sher Hyderi, threatened to launch a country-wide protest movement if those responsible for the Multan bomb blast were not arrested.

They rejected the ban on religious gatherings in the country and said that the ban had been imposed to give benefit to the anti-Islam elements. They said that raids at madressahs, arrest of Maulvis and students of madressahs were aimed at pleasing the USA.

They said that madressahs and mosques were insecure in the country which was a sign of failure of the government. During the conference, the Luqman area where the conference was held remained surrounded by security forces whereas police and Rangers patrolled the entire city.

Traffic was diverted on the National Highway from Sarki More because a stretch of about one kilometre from Luqman Phatak to Sarki More was sealed by police for security reasons.

Earlier, the RPO of Sukkur, and officials of other law enforcing agencies met MIP chief Allama Hyderi on Thursday night to persuade him to postpone the conference but to no avail.