SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday claimed the security cover provided to the National Conference (NC) headquarters in Srinagar had been “completely withdrawn”.
He said the move came weeks after an alleged assassination attempt on party president Farooq Abdullah, who frequently visited the office.
“The security at the NC headquarters has not been reduced but completely withdrawn. That in itself is surprising, because it has only been a few days since the attack on Farooq Abdullah. At the time, everyone said it should not have happened and that it was a matter of concern,” Abdullah told reporters.
Earlier, the Assembly took up a half-hour discussion, initiated by NC MLAs, on the withdrawal of security from the party headquarters.
Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather expressed concern and urged the authorities to either declare Jammu and Kashmir “risk-free” or ensure security for all.
Concluding the discussion during Zero Hour, the Speaker said members had repeatedly raised concerns over security arrangements, including the withdrawal of escort vehicles, which required urgent attention.
Referring to the alleged assassination attempt on March 11, he said, “If you are withdrawing security from his office, what message are you sending to the people? He visits the headquarters quite frequently, and I do not think it is proper to withdraw security from there. You cannot justify it.”
NC MLA Hasnain Masoodi termed the issue “serious and grave”, particularly in light of the recent attack. He was supported by party colleagues and Congress MLA Nizam-ud-Din Bhat, while BJP’s SS Slathia also backed the demand for adequate protection for threatened leaders.
Peoples Conference leader Sajjad Gani Lone accused NC members of politicising the issue, triggering a heated exchange. PDP’s Rafiq Ahmad Naik urged faith in divine protection, while other members stressed the government’s responsibility to ensure safety.