JAMMU: National Conference Additional General Secretary and former minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra has sharply criticised the withdrawal of security cover to Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, describing the move as “unprecedented, vindictive, and politically motivated.”
In a statement issued in Jammu, Sadhotra said he was deeply surprised and concerned by the decision, calling it a serious reflection on the state of governance in Jammu and Kashmir. He urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to make public the reasons behind what he termed as an “extraordinary and baffling action.”
“The withdrawal of security cover from a person holding such a high constitutional position sends a very wrong message about the conduct of governance in the Union Territory,” Sadhotra said.
The senior National Conference leader reminded that the security cover for Choudhary must have been granted after due threat assessment by security agencies, asking, “What has changed overnight that justified its withdrawal?” He warned that such arbitrary decisions not only endanger lives but also erode public confidence in the administration’s impartiality and professionalism.
Sadhotra questioned who would take responsibility if any harm came to the Deputy Chief Minister, stressing that the step carried “deep political overtones” and reflected “sheer vindictiveness and political vendetta.” He said that the move to reduce or withdraw the security of a sitting Deputy Chief Minister was “unheard of in India’s democratic history” and could set a dangerous precedent.
“Political differences should never be allowed to compromise personal safety or the dignity of public offices,” he said, urging the Lieutenant Governor to immediately restore Choudhary’s security cover in view of the sensitive political and security situation in Jammu and Kashmir.
Reiterating that governance must rise above politics of vendetta, Sadhotra said the sanctity of democratic institutions must be upheld and protected at all costs. “Security is a matter of professional assessment, not political convenience,” he said, calling upon the administration to act with fairness, transparency, and responsibility.
Sadhotra cautioned that any attempt to intimidate or humiliate elected representatives would be counterproductive and detrimental to peace and political normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir.
