Security Withdrawal for J&K Legislators Sparks Outcry in Assembly Session
The Jammu and Kashmir Assembly was rocked by controversy on Tuesday as the withdrawal of security for several legislators and politicians became a focal point of intense debate. The governing National Conference (NC) raised the issue, strongly criticizing the Lieutenant Governor (LG) administration for removing security measures at its headquarters in Srinagar, known as Nawai Subha. This action came despite a recent attack on party president Dr. Farooq Abdullah, with NC members arguing that the move jeopardizes the safety of their leader and MLAs.
Speaker Expresses Grave Concerns Over Safety
Echoing the concerns voiced by NC members, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather delivered a stern warning, stating that the national flag would not be secure in Kashmir if those who uphold it are left unprotected. "Security issues shouldn't be taken casually in J&K," Rather emphasized. He urged the administration to either declare Jammu and Kashmir a risk-free environment for politicians and political parties or ensure adequate security provisions are in place.
"Recently, Dr. Farooq Abdullah had a narrow escape, and after that, you withdrew security from the NC office, where he goes regularly, which is unfortunate," the Speaker remarked. "It is a question of those who raise the Tricolour; they should remain safe."
Cross-Party Criticisms and Allegations
The Congress party also joined the fray, claiming that the security of its J&K unit chief, Tariq Hameed Karra, had been withdrawn. According to Congress sources, police informed Karra that they lacked petrol for escort vehicles and security guards, a justification that has drawn skepticism.
Earlier in the session, NC legislators highlighted the issue with pointed remarks:
- Hasnain Masoodi noted that instead of enhancing security at the NC office following the attack on Abdullah, it had been reduced.
- Nazir Gurezi asserted that the LG administration would bear responsibility for any untoward incidents resulting from the security withdrawal.
- Javed Baig alleged that the NC was being specifically targeted, questioning why security at BJP and RSS offices had not been similarly removed.
Personal Accounts of Security Lapses
Salman Sagar, NC MLA from Hazratbal, revealed that security for three Srinagar MLAs had been withdrawn, despite them being "on the hitlist" of terrorists. "The SHO in my area is telling me not to visit my constituency after 4 pm, and this is happening in Srinagar," he disclosed, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Nizamuddin Bhat, a Congress legislator from Bandipora, emphasized that security is a universal concern for all political parties in Jammu and Kashmir and should not be treated as a discretionary favor by the administration. He recounted that Karra had offered to provide petrol himself, yet the security was still removed. Bhat added that his own security had been withdrawn, despite representing the volatile Bandipora district.
BJP's Stance and Broader Implications
Even BJP member S S Slathia called for the government to restore security for everyone, though he cautioned that the NC should not blame the BJP, RSS, or the LG administration exclusively. This highlights the complex political dynamics at play, with security concerns transcending party lines in the region.
Police and security matters in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir fall under the purview of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, placing the administration at the center of this escalating controversy. The debate underscores ongoing tensions and the precarious security environment faced by politicians in the region, raising questions about governance and safety protocols.
