Srinagar- A day after People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti escaped unhurt in a road accident, her party raised questions on Friday about the security protocols in place for the former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister.
The PDP said the “lapses” in Mufti’s security were evident.
“In the recent incident where @MehboobaMufti narrowly escaped a road accident, serious security lapses were evident. The management of Local Road Clearances for X Plus protected vehicles during the incident was inadequate, posing a significant security concern,” senior PDP leader and former Jammu and Kashmir minister Naeem Akhtar said on X.
Two persons, including a security personnel of the PDP chief, were injured on Thursday as Mufti had a narrow escape in a road accident at Sangam in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
Mufti’s vehicle collided with a civilian car at Sangam, a police official said.
Akhtar said the withdrawal of Mufti’s spare car, a standard part of escort duty, is deeply troubling and raises questions about the security protocols in place for the former Union minister.
“Delayed Arrangement of Alternative Car: The fact that it took an hour to arrange an alternative car from Srinagar for the security department is unacceptable. Z+ security typically includes an optional car in the escort, highlighting a serious lapse in preparedness,” he said.
The PDP leader said these lapses demand immediate attention and a clarification from the authorities concerned.
“The absence of a police statement on the matter raises further concerns and underscores the need for transparency and accountability in addressing these security lapses,” Akhtar added.
PDP general secretary, organisation, Mehboob Beg expressed deep concern over the “inadequate management” of Mufti’s travel convoy.
“The accident involving Mufti’s vehicle points towards the lack of detailed drill for a Z+ protected person travelling on a highway which remains busy and has a history of targeted attacks. Against the backdrop of Kashmir’s turbulent history and the vulnerability of mainstream leaders to targeted attacks, any compromise in security measures is a matter of grave concern,” Beg said in a statement.
The incident demands a thorough examination, considering the potential risks associated with compromising the security of a former chief minister, he added.
Expressing concern over the alleged delay in arranging an alternative car for Mufti from Srinagar, Beg said a “compromised security detail” for a former chief minister not only jeopardises the safety of the individual, but also raises questions about the broader commitment to ensuring the security and stability of the region.
These lapses demand immediate attention and a clarification from the authorities to ensure the safety and security of public leaders, he said.
Beg said the incident involving Mufti underscores the necessity for a revaluation and reinforcement of security measures for all mainstream political leaders in Kashmir.
“Authorities are urged to conduct a thorough investigation into the lapses, ensuring that any shortcomings are addressed promptly to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and to uphold the safety of political leaders in the region,” he added.
Police Dismisses Allegations Of Lapse
Police on Friday dismissed claims of lapse made by People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday, a day after the party president Mehbooba Mufti escaped unhurt in a road accident on South Kashmir’s Anantnag district.,
In a statement issued Friday, a police spokesperson said that the former Chief Minister, a Z+ category protectee has an extensive and sophisticated security arrangement designed to ensure her safety at all times.
He said that police acted swiftly after accident and an alternative vehicle was deployed within an hour. He also mentioned that the accident happened at Bijbehara which is at a distance of approximately 50 km from Srinagar from where the Special BP vehicle was despatched.
“Some of the claims made by the party in the open media about what is part of Z+ security are not factually correct. Ideally security arrangements of senior protected persons are not discussed in the public domain. However, it has become necessary to reassure our protectees, including party functionaries of PDP, that the security arrangements for Ms. Mufti were and continues to be very much in place,” the spokesperson said.
However, he added that accidents unfortunately are many a times due to unforeseen factors and road behaviour of other users.
Giving more details of the security cover to the ex-CM, the spokesperson said that her security detail includes a team of 34 personnel, led by a Chief Security Officer of the rank of an Inspector.
“The security posse includes Personal Security Officers (PSOs) and a Close Proximity Team of specially trained personnel in close combat. It also includes protection on move to ensure her security on road journeys. She is provided double escort of eight personnel from paramilitary,” he said
“Her residence at Khimber is guarded by a strong contingent of paramilitary guard personnel. Her security convoy comprises multiple vehicles, including a vehicle-mounted jammer to neutralize electronic threats,” he added.
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