Jammu, March 25 The Jammu and Kashmir Congress on Wednesday claimed that the security cover of several of its legislators, including Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Tariq Hameed Karra, was "downgraded" ahead of the resumption of the Budget session of the Legislative Assembly here.
The party condemned the move and sought an explanation from the Union Home Ministry and the Lt Governor administration, alleging that the withdrawal of security just before the Assembly session had raised serious concerns about the safety of elected representatives.
There was no immediate official reaction to the Congress' claim.
In a statement, J&K PCC chief spokesperson Ravinder Sharma said the security cover of most of the MLAs, including Karra and Congress legislature party leader and AICC general secretary G A Mir was reduced.
Later, in a post on X, Sharma said, “The security of most of MLAs including JKPCC chief and CLP leader was downgraded and security escort withdrawn on the eve of Assembly session. Is life of MLAs less important than high rank officers.”
The spokesperson alleged that the security of top Congress leaders had been compromised and said the party would strongly raise the issue within and outside the Assembly.
“Are the lives of elected MLAs considered less important than those of senior officers? How many senior BJP leaders or top police officials, including the DGP, have ever faced a similar withdrawal of security cover?” he said in the statement.
The Congress leader demanded that the Home Ministry and the Lt Governor administration clarify the reasons behind the withdrawal of security escort to MLAs ahead of the session.
The Budget session of the Assembly will resume in Jammu on March 27 after a five-week recess following the conclusion of its first leg held from February 2 to 20.
During the initial phase of the session, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presented the Budget on February 6, while the House passed grants for various departments after detailed discussions conducted in twin sittings each day.
The session is scheduled to conclude on April 4.
According to the notified business schedule, March 30 and April 1 have been earmarked for private members’ bills, while March 31 and April 2 are reserved for private members’ resolutions.