Srinagar, July 8: Ahead of expected elections to the UT Assembly, Lt Governor administration withdrew the security of several most prominent political leaders and former judges and police officers besides some journalists.
Sources said that a lot of thought had gone into the process and the State Level Committee (SLC) on 30th March, 2024 decided about the withdrawal of security and guard from some VIPs.
The security cover has been withdrawn from some top police officers, judges and bureaucrats besides some journalists.
Sources said that security cover of former IPS officer, Munir Ahmad Khan presently member of socially and educationally backward classes; Junaid Mattoo, former Mayor Srinagar; Former Justice, Mohammad Yaqoob Mir; Rtd. Chief Justice, Mansoor Ahmad Mir; Farooq Ahmad Shah, Retd. IAS officer, presently NC leader; Former MP, Sharif Din Shariq; Former MLA, Mohammad Shafi Uri; former ministers, Javed Mustafa Mir, M Ashraf Mir and Imran Raza Ansari and several others.
The security of some media persons too has been withdrawn.
The Police administration has publicised a list of 57 VIPs whose security has been withdrawn and the order has been signed by the SSP Srinagar.
The decision of the administration has generated a fresh debate here with people questioning the timing of the decision.
“On one hand, the LG administration is supposedly gearing up for Assembly elections but at the same time, some key figures, who could make this process happen, are being left with no security cover.
“How can you expect Raja Aijaz, Junaid Mattoo, Imran and Aabid Ansari, Mohammad Shafi Uri, Javed Mustafa Mir and M Ashraf Mir and others to participate in the electoral process when they don’t have a security cover,” say some political analysts.
“It is true that the security cover had also become a nuisance. There are some people without any ground beneath their feet, who are enjoying VVIP security cover. But at the same time, there are some who stood for the nation’s integrity during adverse times. The ones, with no ground beneath their feet continue to have the security but the same has been withdrawn from the ones who risked their lives to stand with the nation.” said a politician who wanted to remain anonymous saying, “Abhi Tou security Ley Le Hai, Kal jan bhi lein ge. So don’t quote me.”
The latest order issued by the Police has come as a surprise to so many as there, apparently, seems no logic into it.
“You just concluded LS polls, and are gearing up for Assembly polls and are withdrawing security of some key political players. What do you want to convey?,” questions a political leader whose security has been withdrawn. (Kashmir Images)
