Srinagar, Sept 22: The Jammu and Kashmir Congress on Monday strongly criticised the administration for failing to provide proper security and official transport to its Rajya Sabha MP and AICC general secretary in-charge of J&K and Ladakh, Syed Naseer Hussain, during his recent visit to the Valley. The party described the lapse as a serious breach of protocol and demanded immediate action against officials responsible.
Addressing a press conference in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Tariq Hamid Karra said the incident not only exposed negligence but also reflected a worrying pattern of “preferential treatment” being extended to BJP leaders while opposition voices are sidelined. He said it was unprecedented and shocking that an MP of Hussain’s stature, who also carries key organisational responsibilities for the Congress in the region, was denied the security and logistical support that is mandatory under established norms.
“Since Jammu and Kashmir functions under a dual control system, there is already confusion about responsibilities. But this is the first time we have witnessed such a glaring lapse where an elected representative of Parliament was left without even a vehicle to move around. To add to the insensitivity, only a single PSO was sent to the airport, which is against every protocol and completely unacceptable,” Karra said.
The JKPCC chief further revealed that when party leaders confronted the officer concerned, he casually remarked that “we do not provide sitting vehicles to MPs.” Karra condemned this as not just an administrative failure but as a deliberate attempt to downgrade the stature of opposition leaders. “I do not wish to count the number of BJP MPs and even non-MPs who are extended special treatment at every level. But this duality in approach is a matter of grave concern for us and erodes public trust in democratic fairness,” he remarked.
Calling it a “clear security lapse” on the part of the J&K government, Karra said the Congress will escalate the matter both to the Centre and the Union Territory administration. “Those who failed in their duty must be reprimanded and proceeded against under rules. It is about accountability and ensuring that such discrimination does not recur,” he said.
The Congress leadership also expressed concern that such selective treatment towards opposition leaders not only endangers their safety but also sends a wrong message to the people, creating the impression that security is being politicised. The party reiterated its stand that democratic functioning requires equal respect, protection, and protocol for all elected representatives, irrespective of their political affiliation.