Kashmir MLAs cry foul over withdrawal of security escort

Jammu, Mar 27: National Conference and Congress legislators, joined by other MLAs from Kashmir, on Friday flagged their concerns in the Legislative Assembly over “withdrawal of their security escorts.”

The issue was raised by National Conference MLA Saif-ud-Din Bhat when the Speaker initiated short duration discussion on the menace of “fake news” in J&K.

Before discussion could be initiated by BJP MLA R S Pathania, Bhat sought the attention of the chair, “We have come to know that the facility of security escorts of MLAs has been withdrawn in Kashmir only. In Jammu, it has not been withdrawn. We have been rendered helpless. Who will take responsibility for our lives?”

As this was a common grouse, all other MLAs, mainly from the National Conference and Congress from Kashmir joined the cause. As many members tried to flag their concerns, nothing was audible in the din.

Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather asked them to raise the issue one by one.

Justice (retired) Hasnain Masoodi stated, “This arbitrary withdrawal of security escorts in Kashmir has made it difficult for us to fulfil our responsibilities as an MLA. We cannot visit our constituencies. In the prevailing security scenario, it is impossible for us to move around to address our constituency concerns. It is a matter of serious concern.”

His party colleague Mir Saifullah endorsed his point, saying, “Without security escort, our movement has become restricted. For reasons unknown, the security (escort) of all Kashmir MLAs has been withdrawn. Situation has reached the extent that we cannot step out of our houses. Literally, we have been caged. When we cannot move out of our residences, where is the question of visiting our constituencies.”

“The government should take notice of it and our security (escort) should be restored,” he demanded.

Other MLAs from Kashmir too endorsed his point as they were not allowed to speak by the Chair,

Congress MLAs too have been vociferously agitating on the issue for the past three days.