SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary has called for an immediate review of recent security withdrawal decisions affecting legislators in the Union Territory, emphasizing that the safety of elected representatives must not be compromised.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Choudhary, speaking to reporters in Jammu, stressed that threat perception should be the sole criterion for allocating security to elected officials and mainstream political leaders. He cautioned that decisions made based on discretion rather than a thorough ground assessment could endanger lives.
The Deputy Chief Minister urged the Lieutenant Governor to personally examine the security withdrawal protocols, especially in light of past militant attacks targeting political figures. He noted that several legislators had been targeted previously, underscoring the need for a cautious and evidence-based approach to security arrangements.
Choudhary stated that the prevailing security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir cannot be considered fully normalized. He referenced official acknowledgments of ongoing militant presence, suggesting that reducing security cover at this juncture would be ill-advised.
He further advocated for uniformity in security provisions, asserting that all legislators should receive protection strictly in accordance with their assessed threat levels, without any preferential treatment.
The Deputy Chief Minister also raised concerns regarding security cover being extended to individuals who do not hold significant roles in mainstream politics. He questioned the criteria used for such allocations and called for greater transparency and rationalization in the process.
In response to remarks made by Member of the Legislative Assembly Sajad Gani Lone during a legislative session, Choudhary commented that Lone, despite being a victim of militancy himself, appeared to be treating the issue lightly and attempting to politicize it.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
