Thursday, June 16 2005 11:11 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Jamaat-e-Islami has removed pro-Pakistan and hardline separatist leader Sayeed Ali Shah Geelani from its advisory council.

Amir-i-Jamaat Nazir Ahmed Kashiani conveyed this to Geelani through a letter late last night (Jun 15, 2005).

When approached, Geelani confirmed to sources that he had received a letter from the hardline religious organisation but termed it as "unconstitutional".

He alleged the demolition, which followed the removal of the statue on Sunday night, was being carried out at the behest of Uttar Pradesh Minister Azam Khan.

The authorities, meanwhile, said the step was taken to widen a road.

On BJP's rally in protest of the move, Naqvi said that it would be held later in the day and senior party leaders, including state unit president Kesri Nath Tripathi, have reached the town to participate in it.