Jammu: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Wednesday questioned the rationale behind the withdrawal and selective allocation of security to MLAs, saying such actions create confusion about the ground situation and undermine democratic principles.
Choudhary responded to questions regarding the withdrawal of security for MLAs and requested clarification from the Director General of Police.
“Ask the DG sir this. On one hand, you are withdrawing the security of ministers, and on the other, you are curtailing the security of vulnerable MLAs. Even my own security has been reduced. So please ask the DG sir,” he told reporters outside the assembly here.
He questioned the claims of normalcy in the region, highlighting that encounters were still occurring. “If the situation is normal, then why are these encounters happening? If there is no militancy, then what are these encounters about? If encounters are taking place, what about the safety issue?” he asked.
Referring to a recent attack on former chief minister Farooq Abdullah, Choudhary pointed out that developments on the ground contradict claims of complete normalcy.
He alleged that providing security to selected representatives on a “pick and choose” basis amounted to a “mockery of democracy.”
Choudhary, however, expressed confidence that Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha would personally intervene in the matter. “Since the Lieutenant Governor is in charge of the police, I believe the concerns raised in the House will be addressed by him personally. He will intervene and ensure fair allocation of security based on threat perception – those who genuinely need security will get it accordingly,” he said.
Additionally, the deputy chief minister emphasised that the current security arrangement cannot continue as is. He insisted that security should be provided strictly based on threat assessment.
Addressing the broader security landscape, he stated that Jammu and Kashmir continues to face challenges and asserted that if the situation is indeed normal, then restoration of statehood should follow.
“This cannot continue. Jammu and Kashmir faces security challenges. If everything is truly normal here, then statehood should be restored,” he said.
