J&K Speaker says ‘don’t take security scenario lightly’, as NC alleges withdrawal of party office security cover

Withdrawal of security of politicians and ruling National Conference (NC) headquarters in Srinagar dominated the J&K Assembly proceedings on Tuesday (March 31, 2026), with the Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather stressing that “the security scenario cannot be taken lightly”.

“The concerns raised by legislators should be taken seriously by the concerned authorities. The security scenario cannot be taken lightly. Past incidents must guide present decisions. If the administration believes the situation is normal, declare J&K as a risk-free region,” said Mr. Rather.  

The Speaker made the statement after the legislators from ruling NC and Opposition Congress expressed concern over the withdrawal of security of politicians, especially from the Kashmir valley.

Citing the recent assassination attempt on NC president Dr. Farooq Abdullah in Jammu on March 10, NC legislator Salman Sagar said, “Days after the incident security of the party headquarters was withdrawn in spite of the fact that Dr. Abdullah attends the office”. 

Mr. Sagar said security should be solely provided on the inputs of the intelligence agencies and “not on the recommendation of the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh)”.

“Jammu has been comparatively peaceful than Kashmir. But BJP MLAs are provided with a security cover and the same is denied to MLAs from Kashmir despite being vulnerable to militant attacks. Officers should be held responsible in case of any mishap,” said Mr. Sagar. 

Congress legislator Nizamuddin Bhat from Bandipora said security was a commitment to protect its citizens, especially those with public representation. “My constituency is among the most vulnerable areas, yet I have no house guards, while a leader from another party had seven security personnel at his residence. Are we not part of this country?” said Mr. Bhat. 

The Congress legislator demanded a “strong resolution” from the J&K assembly over downgrading of security of legislators in J&K. However, the Speaker rejected the suggestion, saying “the matter fell within the domain of the Union Home Ministry”. 

Speaking on the issue outside the Assembly, J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said, “Removal of the security detail from the ‘Nawai Subh’ office is troubling. It is a matter of great concern. Dr. Abdullah was attacked. Despite the incident, there should have been an extension in the security for the NC leaders, yet authorities proceeded with the withdrawal,” said Mr. Abdullah.

Meanwhile, J&K Peoples Conference president and MLA Sajad Lone accused the NC of “selective outrage”. “When we talk about the Public Safety Act or police verification, the House does not have the power. There is a contradiction while restricting debate on core legal instruments and permitting prolonged political theatre on security arrangements,” said Mr. Lone.

He asked the aggrieved members to raise their concerns with the Union Home Ministry “rather than disrupt the proceedings of the House”. Security is the domain of the Lieutnant Governor in the Union Territory (UT).