Security of over 400 J&K politicians restored after outrage
The Jammu and Kashmir administration, headed by Governor Satya Pal Malik, restored the security of over 400 politicians after outrage. The cover of these leaders was withdrawn after the Pulwama attack of February 14, in which 40 CRPF soldiers lost their lives. The politicians complained to Election Commission saying the withdrawal of security would adversely affect the Lok Sabha elections. Here's what happened.
Backstory: Politicians had to bid adieu to security cover
The decision to revoke security was taken by Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam. But politicians opined that this will put polls at a risk in the terrorism-hit state. J&K will vote in five phases starting from April 11 to May 6. Earlier on Friday, Ministry of Home Affairs communicated that security of over 900 "undeserving" people had been revoked and 2,768 police personnel freed.
PDP leader feared for his life after security was withdrawn
When the security was withdrawn, PDP youth leader Waheed Parra, who survived an assassination bid, said he feared for his life. "Our security has been withdrawn at a time when the government says even the security forces' convoys are not safe. Moving without security or bullet-proof vehicles is a huge risk," Parra, who is contesting from Anantnag, had said. Other leaders concurred.
PDP wrote to CEC; NC alleged political conspiracy
Notably, PDP had shot off a letter to Chief Electoral Officer of J&K to point out that withdrawal of security would demoralize the party and limit their movements. The party pleaded to EC to ensure no "favoritism is allowed" during polls. Separately, National Conference leader Agha Ruhullah, whose security was halved, also claimed the establishment took the step for "political reasons".
An official said the decision wasn't taken in haste
A senior official said the decision wasn't taken by one person. The officer added seniormost officers of CID, Inspectors General of Police of two zones and IB's Joint Director constituted the committee. "The security has been withdrawn of leaders of almost every party - BJP, NC, PDP and the Congress. In most cases, the protected persons had security beyond their entitlement," the official said.
Reportedly, Governor Malik was unhappy with the decision
According to NDTV, Malik was not pleased with Subrahmanyam's decision. As per protocol, the State Intelligence Chief heads the State Level Security Review committee. "Never in the past, this meeting was presided over by any civilian officer and it was for the first time chief secretary presided over it and took the decision of withdrawing security of hundreds of political workers," sources said.
Malik said no one's security will be jeopardized
Malik confirmed he reviewed the decision and consulted with former J&K Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti for the same. "A chain of command (of security officials) will review the security of political workers from time to time. In all circumstances, the decision should go through the governor," he said. He added security wasn't a "prestige issue" but it needed a rational approach.
