Deputy CM’s OSD Flags Security Lapses, Seeks Bullet-Resistant Vehicle for Motorcade
Jammu, March 16, KNT: Security arrangements for the Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir have come under scrutiny after his Office on Special Duty sought an urgent review of the protective motorcade, citing gaps in the existing security cover and delays in providing key equipment.
An official communication from Suresh Chander, JKAS, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Deputy Chief Minister, was addressed to the Senior Superintendent of Police (Security), Jammu, requesting immediate restoration of the complete security setup for the Deputy Chief Minister.
The letter highlighted that a bullet-resistant Fortuner vehicle requested for inclusion in the Deputy Chief Minister’s motorcade had not been provided despite prior communication.
The communication stated that the request has been made keeping in view the prevailing security situation and a recent firing incident involving National Conference leader Dr Farooq Abdullah, a Z-plus NSG protectee, at Royal Park in the Greater Kailash area of Jammu.
The letter noted that the Deputy Chief Minister was present in close proximity to the site at the time of the incident.
The OSD also raised concerns about the reliability and availability of vehicles currently deployed in the Deputy Chief Minister’s convoy.
According to the document, a jammer vehicle that forms a crucial component of VIP security convoys has remained withdrawn from the Deputy Chief Minister’s motorcade for nearly six months on the pretext of repairs and has not yet been restored.
The letter further stated that vehicles presently deployed in the convoy, including the bulletproof vehicle, pilot vehicle and scout vehicles, had recently been involved in serious near-fatal incidents.
Despite repeated requests from the Deputy Chief Minister’s office seeking a review of the security arrangements and replacement of the vehicles with new ones, the communication said no effective corrective action had been taken.
The letter also conveyed that the Deputy Chief Minister had expressed displeasure over what it described as the non-serious manner in which the requests from his office had been handled.
The communication warned that movement without a full and reliable security cover could pose a significant risk given the prevailing security environment in Jammu and Kashmir and the Deputy Chief Minister’s frequent travel to sensitive and far-flung areas.
The OSD requested authorities to undertake an immediate review of the Deputy Chief Minister’s security arrangements and restore the complete protective setup.
The letter specifically sought replacement of the vehicles currently deployed in the convoy with fresh ones and the inclusion of a bullet-resistant Fortuner vehicle in the Deputy Chief Minister’s motorcade both within and outside the Union Territory. [KNT]
