Withdrawal of security to mainstream political workers a retrograde step: Omar Abdullah
PTI | Updated: Feb 21, 2019, 16:19 ISTHighlights
- "Withdrawal of security to mainstream political workers & office bearers is a retrograde step that will only weaken political activity in the valley.," Omar said.
- Urging Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik to reconsider his administration's decision, the former chief minister said they will approach the court if it is not revisited.
- "I have no doubt this step was taken without taking into consideration inputs from central & state intelligence agencies which can only mean it's been done for political purposes."
SRINAGAR: National Conference leader Omar Abdullah Thursday termed as a "retrograde" step the withdrawal of security to some mainstream political activists in Jammu and Kashmir, noting that it will weaken the political activity in the state.
"Withdrawal of security to mainstream political workers & office bearers is a retrograde step that will only weaken political activity in the valley. This is regardless of the fact that no one from @JKNC_ has had their security withdrawn in yesterday's list," he said.
Urging Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik to reconsider his administration's decision, the former chief minister said they will approach the court if it is not revisited.
"I would like to encourage @jandkgovernor to reconsider this step. If it is not revisited we will approach the courts & ask them to intervene," Omar wrote in a series of tweets.
He alleged that there seemed to be an element of pick and choose at play in the decision to withdraw the security of some mainstream political activists.
"I have no doubt this step was taken without taking into consideration inputs from central & state intelligence agencies which can only mean it's been done for political purposes & there is an element of pick & choose at play here," he added.
The state government on Wednesday announced withdrawal or downgrading of security of 155 persons, including 18 separatists. The list included former IAS officer Shah Faesal and PDP youth president Waheed Parra.
He also asked why Prime Minister Narendra Modi was silent on Kashmiri students being targeted in various parts of the country.
Addressing the media, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister also said talks with Pakistan cannot be held in the backdrop of attacks such as the one in Pulwama last week.
"Our PM has talked about a 'muh tod jawab' but such a reply is not possible in the current situation," Abdullah said a week after 40 CRPF soldiers were killed in a terror attack in south Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14.
The Jaish-e-Mohammed has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Abdullah also asked Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik to ensure the security of Kashmiri students who were forced to return home following alleged threats and attacks in various parts of the country in the wake of the Pulwama terror strike.
"Withdrawal of security to mainstream political workers & office bearers is a retrograde step that will only weaken political activity in the valley. This is regardless of the fact that no one from @JKNC_ has had their security withdrawn in yesterday's list," he said.
Urging Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik to reconsider his administration's decision, the former chief minister said they will approach the court if it is not revisited.
"I would like to encourage @jandkgovernor to reconsider this step. If it is not revisited we will approach the courts & ask them to intervene," Omar wrote in a series of tweets.
He alleged that there seemed to be an element of pick and choose at play in the decision to withdraw the security of some mainstream political activists.
"I have no doubt this step was taken without taking into consideration inputs from central & state intelligence agencies which can only mean it's been done for political purposes & there is an element of pick & choose at play here," he added.
The state government on Wednesday announced withdrawal or downgrading of security of 155 persons, including 18 separatists. The list included former IAS officer Shah Faesal and PDP youth president Waheed Parra.
He also asked why Prime Minister Narendra Modi was silent on Kashmiri students being targeted in various parts of the country.
Addressing the media, the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister also said talks with Pakistan cannot be held in the backdrop of attacks such as the one in Pulwama last week.
"Our PM has talked about a 'muh tod jawab' but such a reply is not possible in the current situation," Abdullah said a week after 40 CRPF soldiers were killed in a terror attack in south Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14.
The Jaish-e-Mohammed has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Abdullah also asked Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik to ensure the security of Kashmiri students who were forced to return home following alleged threats and attacks in various parts of the country in the wake of the Pulwama terror strike.
more from times of india News
LATEST VIDEOS
All Comments ()+^ Back to Top
Refrain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or inflammatory, and do not indulge in personal attacks, name calling or inciting hatred against any community. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by marking them offensive. Let's work together to keep the conversation civil.
HIDE