Jammu, Mar 31 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Tuesday expressed concern over the withdrawal of security cover to MLAs and party offices, asserting that such matters must not be taken lightly.
He termed as “very unfortunate” the withdrawal of security in the backdrop of an assassination attempt on former chief minister Farooq Abdullah.
Rather said the issue has been under discussion for the past few days and called for it to be treated with utmost seriousness by the concerned authorities. He stressed that security arrangements should be made strictly in accordance with established norms and regulations, noting that there is a national-level categorisation system governing such provisions.
“The message of this House is loud and clear. The concerned authorities should review such decisions and assess cases where there is genuine apprehension and need for security,” he said.
Emphasising vigilance in the current circumstances, the Speaker said past incidents must guide present decisions. “We cannot take such matters casually. We have to keep in mind what we have suffered in the past,” he added.
Rather also observed that arbitrary decisions regarding the provision or withdrawal of security do not hold merit, asserting that concerns raised in the Assembly must be taken seriously.
Earlier, several legislators raised the issue in the House and sought immediate intervention by the authorities. Those who spoke included Hasnain Masoodi, Nazir Khan Gurezi, Nizamuddin Bhat, Surjit Singh Slathia, Salman Sagar, Sajad Gani Lone, Javed Hassan Beg and Rafiq Naik.(NVI)
