Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary has asked for jammer and bullet-proof vehicles for his security cover in the wake of an assassination attempt on National Conference president Farooq Abdullah.
Seeking an immediate review of his security cover, Choudhary informed police authorities that a jammer vehicle was withdrawn from his motorcade nearly six months ago on the pretext of repairs and has not been restored.
Abdullah miraculously escaped gunfire attempted from point-blank range at a wedding function in Jammu on Wednesday. Kamal Singh, the 63-year-old accused, was overpowered and arrested on the spot.
The deputy chief minister has also expressed displeasure over the “non-serious” manner his requests have been treated so far.
Talking to reporters in Rajouri, the deputy chief minister said security arrangements are the responsibility of the security and police departments, and any decision regarding enhancement of his cover should be taken by them based on threat assessment.
“If the authorities feel my security needs to be upgraded, they should do so, and if not, they may even withdraw whatever is there,” he said, adding he has been elected to work for the people and not to focus on his personal security arrangements.
Terming the recent firing incident on Abdullah as unfortunate, Choudhary said bullets do not see religion or status, and can hit anyone.
In an official communication addressed to the senior superintendent of police (security), Jammu, the officer on special duty with the deputy CM said, “It is submitted that a bullet-resistant vehicle (Fortuner) has been requested for inclusion in the motorcade of deputy chief minister, on March 13 for (his) scheduled visit to Nowshera constituency, a border region, with effect from March 15. However, the same has not been provided.
“This request was made keeping in view of the prevailing security scenario and the recent tragic firing incident on Abdullah (Z+ NSG Protectee), where the deputy chief minister was also present and was in close proximity to the VVIP,” the letter read.
He has also called for the replacement of old vehicles.
“Further, the bulletproof vehicle, pilot, and scout vehicles currently deployed are mechanically unreliable and have resulted in serious and near-fatal incidents in the recent past.
“Despite repeated requests from this office to the concerned authorities for reviewing the security arrangements of the deputy chief minister and the replacement of the vehicle presently deployed in the motorcade with a new one, no effective corrective action has been taken,” the letter reads.
It said that given the prevailing security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir and the nature of responsibilities of the deputy chief minister, which require frequent tours to far-flung and sensitive areas, movement without full and reliable security cover poses a significant risk. (Agencies)
