Govt removes security cover of 919 undeserving people in J&K

The list of persons whose security cover has been withdrawn by the Jammu and Kashmir administration includes 22 separatist leaders, in a clear message to those involved in "anti-national activities".

New Delhi: The Jammu and Kashmir government has withdrawn security cover from 919 undeserving persons, since Governor’s Rule (20th June 2018) in the State, thereby freeing 2,768 police personnel and 389 vehicles, said ministry of Home affairs today.

Following the Pulwama attack, the Jammu and Kashmir government withdrew security of 22 separatists and 155 political persons.

The move follows strict stance by Union Home Ministry on inappropriate use of scarce police resources in the State.

"It was observed by the Centre that many undeserving people managed to get security cover resulting in lack of State police resources for the public at large. Accordingly, the Union Home Ministry directed the State government that a case by case in-depth review may be taken on merits," said a home ministry official.

Following these strict directions, J&K State Security Review Coordination Committee (SRCC) held regular meetings to examine all the cases to ensure strict compliance as per norms.

"As per the directions of GoI, SRCC will continue to further examine and review the requirement of security cover on case to case basis, based on merit, so that scarce and expensive resources could be freed and engaged to do regular police work," said a home ministry official.