- Kashmir-based legislators allege selective security downgrade in Assembly
- Ruling alliance protests ‘discriminatory’ security withdrawal in House
- NC, Congress demand review of security cover cut for Valley MLAs
Jammu, 27-03-2026: Legislators of the ruling National Conference and the Congress voiced strong concern in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly over the alleged selective withdrawal and downgrading of security cover provided to Kashmir-based MLAs. Calling the move abrupt, unjustified, and discriminatory, they said the decision has created serious anxiety among elected representatives from the Valley and raised larger questions about their safety and freedom to function effectively in the present security environment.
The issue was prominently raised by National Conference MLA from Khansahib, Saif-ud-Din Bhat, who informed the House that the security cover of several legislators from Kashmir had either been reduced or withdrawn altogether without any prior explanation. He questioned the basis of such a decision and alleged that no similar action had been taken against MLAs from the Jammu region, thereby making the exercise appear selective and biased. He asked who would be responsible for the safety of the elected representatives if they were left vulnerable under such circumstances.
Bhat’s concern found immediate support from several legislators of the National Conference and Congress, who collectively demanded that the Government urgently revisit the matter. Among those who backed the demand were Hasnain Masoodi, Mir Saifullah, Ahsan Pardesi, Bashir Ahmed Veeri, Showkat Hussain Ganie and Nizam Uddin Bhat, all of whom emphasized that the issue was not merely administrative but directly linked to the ability of legislators to perform their public duties without fear.
Senior National Conference leader Hasnain Masoodi said the reported withdrawal of security had made it increasingly difficult for Kashmir-based MLAs to travel to their constituencies and remain accessible to the people they represent. In view of the prevailing security situation, he said, such a step could seriously hamper their constitutional responsibilities and weaken democratic engagement at the grassroots level.
Mir Saifullah described the matter as highly sensitive and warned that the situation had become so serious that some legislators were beginning to feel virtually confined to their homes. According to him, the absence or reduction of security has restricted their movement and affected their ability to meet people freely, thereby undermining their public role and confidence.
Congress legislators, including Nizam Uddin Bhat and Iftikhar Hussain, also joined the demand for immediate intervention, urging the government to take note of the apprehensions expressed by the Valley-based representatives and restore their security cover without delay. They maintained that the safety of elected members should not be treated casually and that any such decision required transparency, fairness, and a proper assessment of the ground situation.
The issue added to the politically charged atmosphere in the assembly, with members insisting that the government act swiftly to remove the sense of insecurity among Kashmir-based legislators. They said elected representatives must be provided an environment in which they can move freely, connect with their constituents and carry out their democratic responsibilities without intimidation or fear.