Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah security has become a major concern for the state administration.
Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah security has become a major concern for the state administration.
With Abdullah refusing to vacate his present three-bedroom government quarter at Gupkar and move to the palatial and more secure Hair Niwas, the state police are concentrating on boosting his security.
From German-made jammers to para-military escorts and Special Security Group (SSG) guards, Omar is all set to become the most heavily-guarded chief minister after Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and Ghulam Nabi Azad.
Security chieftains in the state are leaving nothing to chance given his stature and the terror threat in militancy-torn J&K. “We have increased Omar’s security cover by including CRPF troopers as his escorts. It is in addition to the ITBP security escort. We have also included a pilot vehicle and an ambulance in his cavalcade,” said a senior police officer.
Though Omar is getting Z-plus special security cover, his residence is giving security personnel sleepless nights. The police are not happy with his decision to stay put at his Gupkar residence as the house overlooks the main road.
“This house is right on the road where traffic movement is round the clock. We can’t stop the movement of vehicles as it will cause inconvenience to the people. We want him to shift to the palatial Hari Niwas near Hotel Grand Palace, which was used by former CM Azad for a few months since his government did not stay in power for long,” said another officer.
J&K government had spent over Rs five crore on the renovation of Hair Niwas, which was earlier the headquarters of the CID wing of J&K police. It has 66 palatial rooms and overlooks the Dal Lake.
“For the time being, the CM will stay in his Gupkar residence. When the darbar moves to Srinagar from Jammu in May, then we will again analyse his security needs and take a decision,” said the officer.
In another development, Abdullah said those found guilty of killing a 45 year old man, who tried to enter the Army cantonment at Gupkar, would be dealt with according to law.
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