Jammu: National Conference legislators on Friday called for the immediate restoration of their security escort facility in Kashmir, citing “serious concerns” that have made it “difficult” for them to move freely and discharge their duties.
They said the prevailing situation has rendered travel without escort nearly impossible, and urged the government to restore their security cover to ensure their safety and effective functioning.
Saif-ud-din Bhat, who represents the Khan Sahib Assembly segment, raised the withdrawal of the security escort vehicle, with several party colleagues rising from their seats in agreement.
“The decision to withdraw security escorts has severely affected the discharge of our duties. The situation is such that we cannot move freely even in our own areas.
“Without an escort, it has become almost impossible for us to travel, which is not only concerning but also a major obstacle to our work,” Pampore MLA Hasnain Masoodi said.
Trehgam MLA Saifullah Mir said escort vehicles for all the MLAs in the Valley had been withdrawn, calling it a highly sensitive issue as it had effectively confined them to their homes.
“The security should be restored immediately to enable us to move freely in our constituencies,” he said.
Congress legislator Nizam-ud-Din Bhat also raised the issue.
The legislators calmed down only after Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather said the government had taken note of the matter.
On Wednesday, the Congress had claimed that the security cover of several of its legislators, including Pradesh.
Congress Committee president Tariq Hameed Karra, had been downgraded ahead of the resumption of the Budget session of the Assembly.
The party sought an explanation from the Union Home Ministry and the lieutenant governor’s administration, alleging that the withdrawal of security just before the Assembly session had raised serious concerns about the safety of the elected representatives.