JAMMU — Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday condemned the decision to strip the National Conference (NC) headquarters of security, calling the move “incomprehensible” given that it comes less than a month after an assassination attempt on party president Farooq Abdullah.
The comments of Omar Abdullah came after a heated half-an-hour discussion in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly with Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather demanding that authorities either declare J&K “risk-free” or provide equitable security for all.
Talking to reporters outside the Assembly, the chief minister expressed deep concern over the total removal of guards from the ‘Nawai Subuh’ complex in Srinagar, party headquarters which is often visited by veteran politician Farooq Abdullah, a three- time chief minister and former Union minister.
Omar Abdullah highlighted the alarming timing of the administrative decision, noting the recent threat to his father’s life. On March 11, Farooq Abdullah narrowly escaped a point-blank shooting at a wedding function in Jammu.
“The security at NC headquarters has not been reduced, but completely withdrawn,” the chief minister stated. “That in itself is surprising, because it has barely been weeks since the attack on Farooq Abdullah. At the time, everyone said it should not have happened, and it is a matter of concern.” He questioned the logic behind leaving the headquarters vulnerable, specifically pointing out the frequency of his father’s visits.
“Farooq Sahib visits that office two to three times a week. What is the compulsion? What is the reason that it had to be removed? If we come to know from the administration, it would be good,” he said.
There was no word from the Jammu and Kashmir Police on the decision of the withdrawal of the security to the ruling party headquarters.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said the security should not be granted on a pick-and-choose basis or influenced by political affiliation or personal preference.
“It must be ensured objectively, keeping in view the sacrifices made by leaders across parties in Jammu and Kashmir. Any arbitrary withdrawal or reduction of security is inappropriate, and agencies must act fairly to strengthen democracy,” he said.
Choudhary said the MLAs across party lines have raised the issue in the House and “therefore, it is expected to have come to the notice of the Lieutenant Governor, who will take appropriate action.
Earlier, concluding a 30-minute discussion initiated by National Conference MLAs during Zero Hour on the withdrawal of security to the party headquarters, Speaker Rather said members had been raising the security concerns, including withdrawal of their escort vehicles, which require urgent attention.
“The message from this House is loud and clear: if you do not want to provide security, then declare Jammu and Kashmir a risk-free state.
“But a pick-and-choose approach has no merit. We are not speaking against any institution or the Lieutenant Governor; we are speaking against the system,” he said.
Referring to the recent assassination attempt on senior Abdullah at a function, he said “if you are withdrawing security to his office, what message are you sending to the people?” The speaker, while thanking both the treasury and opposition benches for speaking in one voice on the security concerns, said withdrawing security to the National Conference is not “proper” and “you (police) cannot justify it.” The matter was raised by NC MLA Hasnain Masoodi in the House, calling it a “serious and grave” issue, given the recent attack on Farooq Abdullah.
He was joined by party colleagues, including Nazir Ahmad Gurezi, Salman Sagar and Javid Hassan Baig, and Congress legislator Nizam-ud-Din Bhat. BJP’s S S Slathia also supported the demand for adequate security to the leaders facing threats.
On Saturday, the Assembly had presented total unity as members from both the treasury and opposition benches unanimously condemned the March 11 assassination attempt on Farooq Abdullah.
During a two-hour discussion, legislators characterised the shooting as a “glaring security lapse” and a “disgrace to humanity”, with many calling for a high-level judicial inquiry led by a sitting high court judge. — (PTI)