JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee on Thursday accused the Union Home Ministry and the Lieutenant Governor’s administration of adopting a “vindictive and discriminatory” approach by selectively withdrawing security cover of party MLAs and leaders.
Addressing a press conference at the PCC headquarters in Jammu, senior leaders including Raman Bhalla, Mula Ram, and Ravinder Sharma questioned the rationale behind downgrading security of elected representatives while senior bureaucrats continue to enjoy higher protection.
The leaders alleged that security escorts of the PCC president, CLP leader, and several MLAs from Congress and other parties were withdrawn on the eve of the Assembly session. They termed the move arbitrary and asked whether elected representatives’ lives were considered less important than officials, even in the wake of recent security concerns.
The Congress also criticised the “dual control system” in the Union Territory, blaming the Centre for not restoring statehood and creating a lack of accountability.
Raising public issues, the party said the prevailing situation, including rising fuel concerns and economic stress, has created panic among people. It urged the Assembly to focus on pressing matters such as regularisation of daily wagers, relief for refugees of 1947, 1965 and 1971, rehabilitation of flood-affected families, and support for farmers facing shortage of seeds and fertilisers.
The leaders also highlighted issues including inflated electricity bills from smart meters, ration card bifurcation, and the ongoing strike by paramedical staff affecting healthcare services.
Additionally, the party demanded a fair probe into the alleged custodial death of a BSF jawan and expressed concerns over electoral roll revisions, warning against deletion of genuine voters.
The Congress urged all parties to avoid politicising issues and instead engage in constructive debate during the Assembly session to address the concerns of the people, particularly unemployed youth.
