Srinagar: In the aftermath of the recent road accident where Ms. Mehbooba Mufti narrowly escaped a potentially fatal accident, serious security lapses have come to light. Party General Secretary ( Org ) and senior leader Mehboob Beg expressed deep concern over the inadequate management of the travel convoy especially local road clearances for a Z Plus protected (EX-CM) convoy. The accident involving Ms. 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. The incident demands a thorough examination, considering the potential risks associated with compromising the security of a former chief minister.
Equally alarming is the delayed arrangement of an alternative car from Srinagar, which took an hour to materialise. Beg emphasised that Z+ security protocols typically include an optional car in the escort, emphasizing a serious lapse in preparedness that cannot be overlooked. A compromised security detail for a former chief minister not only jeopardizes the safety of the individual but also raises questions about the broader commitment to ensuring the security and stability of the region. It is imperative that political disagreements do not overshadow the imperative to safeguard the lives of leaders who play a crucial role in the socio-political fabric of Kashmir”These lapses demand immediate attention and clarification from the authorities to ensure the safety and security of our public leaders,” states Bhan. The absence of a police statement on the matter further raises concerns, underscoring the need for transparency and accountability in addressing these security lapses.
Beg highlighted the concern about the adverse security were earlier also reported by PTI and was carried by Tribune dated 6-01-2023 and it read as follows “The security reviews show that the Khimber residence is “not feasible” for a Z-Plus protectee area as there were “apprehensions of a terrorist attack” on the former chief minister.
The second review carried out on November 11 noted that the house was surrounded by orchards and open land that needs to be dominated on a regular basis.
The review report said the most portion of the alternate route from Khimber to the main city via Harwan, Darbagh, is also “hypersensitive”, covered with dense forests and unsafe for Mufti’s movement.It added that the daily movement of SSG personnel from Khimber to their base in Srinagar’s Gupkar Road area will “expose” them to public interference “which can lead to a huge security breach”.
While the report called for taking remedial measures, it said developing security infrastructure in the area was a “challenge” to the safety and security of residing forces as a high-transmission electricity line passes over the land.”
The incident involving Ms. Mehbooba Mufti underscores the necessity for a reevaluation and reinforcement of security measures for all mainstream leaders in Kashmir. Beg further added “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.”
