Jammu, Mar 16 (NVI): The office of Jammu and Kashmir’s Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary has sought immediate strengthening of security arrangements and the inclusion of a bullet-resistant vehicle in the Deputy CM’s motorcade, citing the prevailing security scenario in the Union Territory.
According to an official communication addressed to the Senior Superintendent of Police (Security), Jammu, the Deputy Chief Minister’s office requested that a Bullet Resistant Fortuner vehicle be provided for inclusion in the motorcade during official tours, particularly in sensitive and border areas.
The communication states that the request was initially made ahead of the Deputy Chief Minister’s scheduled visit to the Nowshera Constituency, but the vehicle has not been provided so far.
The letter further notes that the request was made keeping in view the prevailing security situation and a recent firing incident at Royal Park in Greater Kailash, Jammu, where former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah—a Z+ protectee—was present, and the Deputy Chief Minister was also in close proximity to the venue.
It also mentions that the jammer vehicle has remained withdrawn from the Deputy CM’s motorcade for nearly six months on the pretext of repairs and has not yet been restored. Additionally, the bulletproof pilot and scout vehicles currently deployed are stated to be mechanically unreliable and have reportedly led to serious and near-fatal incidents in the recent past.
The office expressed concern that repeated requests for reviewing the security arrangements and replacing the vehicles have not been acted upon.
Given the prevailing security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir and the nature of the Deputy Chief Minister’s duties, which involve frequent travel to far-flung and sensitive areas, movement without full and reliable security cover poses a significant risk, the letter reads.
The Deputy Chief Minister has also reportedly expressed displeasure over the “non-serious manner” in which the requests of his office have been handled.
The office has now urged authorities to immediately review and restore the complete security arrangements, including replacement of existing vehicles and inclusion of a bullet-resistant Fortuner in the Deputy Chief Minister’s motorcade for both within and outside the Union Territory travel. (NVI)
