Mehbooba condemns attack on party leader, death of PSO

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Monday strongly condemned attack on party leader Haji Parvez Ahmad and death of his Personnel Security Officer (PSO) Selection Grade Constable (SgCt) Manzoor Ahmad in an attack by gunmen in Srinagar this morning.

Senior leaders of PDP visited the residence of Parvez at Natipora in the uptown Srinagar.

Meanwhile, Parvez alleged that his security was downgraded by the government and only two PSOs were deployed who retaliated before gunmen escaped. The injured was hospitalized and later succumbed in the hospital.

PDP general secretary Ghulam Nabi Hanjura said that barring Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) and Apni Party (AP) leaders, no opposition party leaders, including those contesting District Development Council (DDC) elections in the state.

Taking to micro-blogging site Twitter former Chief Minister Mehbooba said “ Strongly condemn the attack on PDPs Haji Parvez.J&K admin has left opposition leaders in a vulnerable position by downgrading their security. Lapses are likely to occur since protection given is inadequate. My heartfelt condolences to Manzoor Ahmed’s family.

PDP in official twitter handle of Party said “ Vehemently condemn the murderous assault on party leader Haji Parvaiz Ahmed. Such attacks are an attempt to instill a sense of fear and dissuade parties from advocating the aspirations of people”.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Constable Manzoor and his family who sacrificed his own life but didn't compromise on his duty”, the PDP said.

Parvez Ahmad said he had six PSOs before this government reduced to only two now. I was attending my mother in the house when some firing shots were heard outside, he said adding PSOs also retaliated but the gunmen escaped. One of my SPO Manoor was injured who was later shifted to hospital where he died, PDP leader said.

This is a clear security lapse, General Secretary of PDP Hanjura said and demanded that all leaders irrespective of party affiliation should be provided proper security cover.

He said PDP raised the issue of security cover to political leaders of all political parties. However, he alleged that only BJP and AP leaders were provided security. No opposition party leader has security, he said adding even the candidates of opposition parties, including Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) were not provided any security. Hanjura alleged these candidates were bundled in hotels or secure accommodation to prevent them from campaigning under the grab of security. However, he said, even a simple BJP worker have security guards besides bullet proof vehicles.