Security withdrawal sparks controversy in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly

Worried ruling party legislators on Tuesday escalated the issue of inadequate security cover and its withdrawal from outside the Nawai Subh complex, headquarters of the Jammu Kashmir National Conference party, on the floor of the Assembly.

The ruling party legislators termed the decision ‘unfortunate’, especially in the light of a serious assassination bid on the life of party Chief and former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday expressed surprise over the withdrawal of security at National Conference headquarters in Srinagar, pointing out that the move comes barely weeks after an assassination attempt on party president and his father, Farooq Abdullah.

He said the decision was difficult to comprehend, especially when the office is visited by the party chief two to three times a week. The security at NC headquarters has not been reduced, but completely withdrawn. That in itself is surprising, because it has barely been a week since the attack on Farooq Abdullah. At the time, everyone said it should not have happened, and it is a matter of concern,” the chief minister told reporters outside the legislative Assembly.

First of all, National Conference legislator Hasnain Masoodi raised the issue while moving an adjournment motion in the house. Disallowing the motion, the speaker allowed discussion on the sensitive matter at the end of the question hour.

Briefing the media, National Conference MLA, Salman Sagar, alleged that the security of National Conference (NC) legislators has been withdrawn while that of BJP leaders has been enhanced, terming the move as “selective” and discriminatory.

Another senior party legislator from Gurez, Nazir Ahmed, demanded a thorough review of the security cover provided to the legislators.

Expressing serious concern over the recent withdrawal of security escorts for MLAs, particularly those belonging to the National Conference in Jammu and Kashmir, Nazir Ahmed said, “When we request to travel to certain areas, our movement is often restricted due to safety concerns. If our security is withdrawn, it further limits our ability to visit our constituencies and connect with people. “I hold the Lieutenant Governor’s administration and security agencies fully responsible for any ‘untoward incidents’ that may occur as a result of these security cuts.”

PDP MLA Waheed ur Rehman Para and Congress party MLA Nizam Ud Din Bhat also demanded adequate security for elected representatives and highlighted that leaders belonging to their parties have been deprived of adequate security cover.

Earlier, Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara Sajad Lone described the claims made by the ruling party legislators as selective outrage and institutional inconsistency on the question of security.

Sajad Lone posed a tough question to the Chair, “Sir, when we talk about the PSA or police verification, you say this House does not have the power… so why are you allowing them to talk so much on security?”

He exposed the contradiction between restricting debate on core legal instruments while permitting prolonged political theatre on security.

He asserted that those who deny the Assembly’s jurisdiction cannot simultaneously exploit it for optics. Drawing from personal experience, Lone said, “I have the highest level of security, yet I don’t even have a house guard at my home… but the way they are projecting it is misleading.”

He even invoked the National Conference’s record in office, declaring, “During your time, thousands of people were killed because security was not provided… this is a reality.”

He further disclosed, “They did not even provide me security to go to the graveyard for the burial of my father” — underlining his assertion that many, including himself, have long been on the receiving end of the very neglect now being lamented.

Lone reminded them, “When the office security was withdrawn, they didn’t make noise then… this attempt to become martyrs, cut it out.” He advised aggrieved members to raise their concerns with the Union Home Ministry rather than disrupt the proceedings of the House.

At the end of the discussion, Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, said the security scenario cannot be taken lightly, asserting that past incidents must guide present decisions.

Intervening after a discussion on the withdrawal of security cover to the National Conference headquarters and several legislators, the Speaker said those who have experienced such situations understand the risks better.

He said that despite claims of improvement, the situation still demands caution. “Keeping in view past security events, we must remain vigilant. Security cannot be treated casually,” he said.

The Speaker added that if the administration believes the situation has fully normal, then it should clearly declare Jammu and Kashmir a risk-free region.

He expressed hope that the concerns raised by legislators would be taken seriously by the concerned authorities.