Srinagar, May 8: The State government has started wider consultations as to how the killings of unprotected politicians of various parties can be protected.
Sources said that the step has been takenin the wake of recent killing of a BJP leader in Anantnag district.
Sources told Kashmir- Indepth that Governor, called the meeting of top brass including Chief Secretary to discuss the issue threadbare. “It was revealed the security cover of some politicians was withdrawn to deploy the policemen relieved from the duty of protecting the politicians, for poll duties,” a top official disclosed to Kashmir Indepth.
He said that the now that the elections in Kashmir are over and Assembly elections seem to be have been postponed till October-November, the government will review the security of unprotected politicians, especially those whose security cover was withdrawn and ensure that they get proper protection.
“Yes we met at the civil secretariat Srinagar and the issue of providing security cover to unprotected politicians was discussed threadbare. We will be reviewing the security of politicians and on the basis of their threat perceptions, security cover will be provided accordingly,” a top police officer, privy to the directions of Governor Malik and Chief Secretary, told Kashmir Indepth.
He said that within a week’s time, proper security cover will be provided to those who have been under constant threat of getting attacked or killed. “Irrespective of parties, the security cover of every politician will be reviewed and proper cover granted,” the official revealed.
Police will soon start a massive exercise and ensure all the politicians get proper security cover as per their need and requirement. The recent killing of BJP leader at Verinag area of South Kashmir’s Anantnag has sparked a row with BJP staging protests and one of its senior leaders, Ashok Koul surrender his personal security along with the escort vehicle and travelling in an auto as a mark of protest against withdrawal of security cover of BJP leaders and activists.
“We have taken note of the BJP’s protest, but there are similar complaints from the leaders are activists of other parties as well. We are looking into the issues of everybody,” the police officer revealed.
