Terming the move of the government as selective and highly unsafe, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hameed Karra on Saturday strongly criticised the withdrawal of security cover for political leaders, warning of potential risks.
Even as the JKPCC leaders have been playing up the issue of security withdrawal for the last couple of days and raising voices over the government’s move , J&K Congress chief Tariq Hamid Karra has questioned whether authorities were “waiting for another Pahalgam tragedy” before taking corrective steps, and said past incidents had shown that reducing security could lead to serious consequences.
Referring to a recent incident involving Dr Farooq Abdullah, he termed it a security lapse and said repeated failures to ensure protection of senior leaders raise concerns.He also expressed concern over reported withdrawal of escort security for MLAs in the Kashmir Valley, saying such measures could expose elected representatives to risk.
"Will the Home Ministry and LG authorities explain the withdrawal of security escorts for MLAs, including PCC President Tariq Hameed Karra, on the eve of the Assembly's resumption? How many senior BJP leaders and high-ranking police officers, including the DGP, have faced this?.....Is the life of elected representatives less important?, "J&K PCC Chief Spokesperson Ravinder Sharma questioned, alleging that the security of MLAs, including top leadership of Congress, has been compromised.
Legislators of the ruling National Conference and Indian National Congress also raised serious concern in the Assembly over alleged selective withdrawal of security cover to Kashmir-based MLAs, terming the move “abrupt” and without any justification.
The issue was raised by Saif-ud-Din Bhat, the NC MLA from Khansahib, who said that security of legislators from the Kashmir Valley has been “downgraded” or “withdrawn” without informing them of the reasons.He alleged that no such action has been taken in respect of Jammu-based MLAs, calling the decision discriminatory.
The MLA questioned who would ensure the safety of elected representatives under such circumstances.Several legislators from NC and Congress, including Hasnain Masoodi, Mir Saifullah, Ahsan Pardesi, Bashir Ahmed Veeri, Showkat Hussain Ganie and Nizam Uddin Bhat supported the concern and demanded an immediate review of the decision.
Senior NC leader Hasnain Masoodi said the withdrawal of security has made it difficult for Kashmir-based MLAs to visit their constituencies in view of the prevailing security scenario, adding that it hampers their ability to discharge constitutional responsibilities.
Mir Saifullah termed the issue “very sensitive” and said the situation has reached a point where some legislators feel confined to their homes and are unable to move freely among the people. Congress MLAs, including Nizam Uddin Bhat and Iftikhar Hussain, also expressed concern and urged the Government to take note of the situation and restore security cover to the elected representatives at the earliest.
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