Jammu, Mar 31: MLAs of ruling National Conference on Tuesday complained about the withdrawal of security to their party headquarters, Nawai Subah.
During Zero Hour, National Conference MLA Justice (retd.) Hasnain Masoodi said security withdrawal of MLAs as well as of party headquarters seems to be a well-planned conspiracy.
“The security of our party headquarters has been withdrawn. This is a serious concern. The way our party workers were targeted, keeping in view the prevailing security scenario, the security should have been strengthened instead of withdrawn,” he said urging the Speaker to pass appropriate directions in the matter.
Joining the chorus, National Conference MLA Nazir Gurezi termed withdrawal of security to party headquarters as unfortunate.
“Wherever you go, whether it is Punjab or Himachal Pradesh, security is provided to offices of political parties,” he said, urging the Speaker to pass directions for restoring security to party headquarters as well as that of MLAs.
Congress MLA Nizamuddin Bhat said there are risks to every life, including leaders of mainstream parties. “When you have security concerns, and security is provided from the state exchequer, the welfare state has a commitment to provide security to citizens who play a role,” he said.
Bhat urged the House to pass a strong resolution on the matter.
BJP MLA Surjit Singh Slathia also supported the demand, saying said that every MLA should get security
MLA Salman Sagar said the decision was both unfortunate and surprising.
He said security is not a matter of status but a necessity for public representatives to perform their duties effectively.
Intervening in the discussion, Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather said the security scenario cannot be taken lightly and stressed that past incidents must guide present decisions.
He said those who have experienced such situations understand the risks better and added that despite claims of improvement, caution remains necessary.
“Keeping in view past security events, we must remain vigilant. Security cannot be treated casually,” the Speaker said.
He added that if the administration believes the situation has fully normalised, it should clearly declare Jammu and Kashmir a risk free region.
The Speaker expressed hope that the concerns raised by legislators would be taken seriously by the concerned authorities—(KNO)
