Jammu: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday condemned the decision to strip the National Conference (NC) headquarters of security, calling the move “incomprehensible” given that it comes less than a month after an assassination attempt on party president Farooq Abdullah.
The comments of Omar Abdullah came after a heated half-an-hour discussion in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly with Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather demanding that authorities either declare J&K “risk-free” or provide equitable security for all.
Talking to reporters outside the Assembly, the chief minister expressed deep concern over the total removal of guards from the ‘Nawai Subuh’ complex in Srinagar, party headquarters, which is often visited by veteran politician Farooq Abdullah, a three-time chief minister and former Union minister.
Omar Abdullah highlighted the alarming timing of the administrative decision, noting the recent threat to his father’s life. On March 11, Farooq Abdullah narrowly escaped a point-blank shooting at a wedding function in Jammu.
“The security at NC headquarters has not been reduced, but completely withdrawn,” the chief minister stated. “That in itself is surprising, because it has barely been weeks since the attack on Farooq Abdullah. At the time, everyone said it should not have happened, and it is a matter of concern.”
He questioned the logic behind leaving the headquarters vulnerable, specifically pointing out the frequency of his father’s visits.
“Farooq Sahib visits that office two to three times a week. What is the compulsion? What is the reason that it had to be removed? If we come to know from the administration, it would be good,” he said.
There was no word from the Jammu and Kashmir Police on the decision to withdraw security to the ruling party headquarters.
