Withdrawal of security leaves politicians worried

Srinagar, Oct 8: The withdrawal of security cover has frightened the political leaders and forced them to go underground.

As per the sources, the government has withdrawn security to, at least, 71 political leaders, including to those affiliated with the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC), National Conference (NC), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

A senior leader from JKPCC, who fought Assembly election from Eidgah constituency in 2014, said he fears for his life.

“Security was provided to me in 2012. I have been receiving threats from militants for a long time. In 2014, I received threats from a well-known militant outfit,” he said.

“The FIR in this regard stands lodged in Safa Kadal police station. I fail to understand as to why my security has been taken back. In 2017, my car was taken back and now my two PSOs,” he added.

He accused the government of “playing with the lives” of political leaders.

A National Conference (NC) leader from Jawahar Nagar area here said his PSOs received a call on Sunday from their office.

“They were told to report back. I am a protected person, how can I move out without a security cover? The situation is volatile,” he said.

Referring to the recent killing of two NC workers, he said he has been confined to the four walls of his home since then.

Senior Vice-president JKPCC, G N Monga, while raising concern over the withdrawal of his security cover, said the government should take seriously the security of those under threat.

“Governor Satya Pal Malik himself said that the government would provide security to those contesting elections and facing threats,” he said.

Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Law and Order, Muneer Khan, said the security cover would be provided to only those entitled to it.

“If anyone from the categorized lot has some issues, he shall approach me,” he said.