Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Tuesday said the security situation in the region cannot be taken lightly, adding that incidents of the past must serve as a guiding light for future decisions.
Intervening during a discussion on the withdrawal of security cover to the National Conference headquarters and several legislators, he said those who have experienced such incidents understand the risks far better than others.
Referring to a recent incident, he stated that National Conference president Farooq Abdullah had narrowly escaped death when a gunman allegedly attacked him during a marriage function in Jammu.
The Speaker said despite claims that security situation has improvement in the Union Territory, continued caution remains necessary, as even a small error could cost someone his or her life. “Keeping in view past security incidents, we must remain vigilant. Security cannot be treated casually,” he said.
Rather added that if the administration believes the situation has fully normalised in the region, it should declare the entire J&K a risk-free zone. He said the concerns raised in the House were legitimate and hoped that the grievances would be addressed by the Union government and the authorities concerned to ensure the safety and well-being of lawmakers and citizens across Jammu and Kashmir.
While the overall security situation in the Union Territory has improved considerably, with incidents of violence declining to nearly single-digit figures, the intensity and gravity of such attacks have increased over the past few years.
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