Rattled by political killings, J&K Guv chairs meet to tackle threats against vulnerable leaders
Waking up to the increasing militant threats after the assassination of BJP leader Ghulam Mohammad Mir, Jammu and Kashmir government has decided to hike measures and lodge the vulnerable Panchayat members and municipal corporators in safe houses.
The decision was taken in the high-level security review meeting that was chaired by Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik on Wednesday.
"Keeping in view the threats issued by militant organisations during the elections to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Panchayats and the heightened risk faced by elected sarpanches, municipal councillors and mayors/ presidents, it was decided that in case any of them require safe accommodation, they will be provided a secure room for their stay — either at the state or district level," said an official spokesman after the meeting.
This follows the killing of 60-year-old BJP district vice-president Mir by militants at his home in the Nowgam village of Anantnag district on May 4.
Also, on the directions of the governor, the home department ordered that Muneer Ahmad Khan, ADGP, Security, Law and order conduct an inquiry into all such attacks that have taken place since October 2018.
"This is with a view to ensure that all possible measures, general as well as specific, are taken for the security of political workers to enable them to continue their political activities, particularly in view of the terrorist attacks on political workers in the recent past. He shall submit his report, covering all the relevant aspects, along with appropriate recommendations within 15 days," said the spokesman.
Expressing concern over the killings of political functionaries belonging to various political parties in the last few months, the governor stressed on the need to ensure the safety of protected persons and advised security agencies to give due consideration to the genuine apprehensions of political activists working at the grassroots level. "The governor stated that leaders of different political parties and other organisations may raise their security concerns with the security headquarters of the J&K police. If they do, due diligence of the threat perception has to be carried out by the intelligence agencies before arriving at a decision on the provision of personal security to persons with a perceived threat," said the spokesman.
REVIEW CALLS
- Decision taken in the high-level security review meet chaired by J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik
- It was decided that if they require safe accommodation, they will be provided a secure room
- Also directs due diligence of threat perception to be carried out by intelligence agencies
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