In the wake of a threat issued by the disgruntled Hizbul Mujahideen commander Zakir Musa to Hurriyat leaders, police has started a comprehensive security review exercise has been started to ensure highest level of security to the pro-freedom leaders.

Though the police downplayed the development terming the move as a routine exercise, but reliable sources said that review was ordered after threat issued by the Hizb commander Zakir.

A Hurriyat leader, having police protection said that he was told that his security would be enhanced as ordered by the top brass of police

 “Many leaders from Hurriyat Conference (M) have police protection and to my information security of all is being reviewed,” he said, wishing not to be named.  Another leader also confirmed that he too was informed about the security enhancement. “At present I have six policemen with me, and I have been told that I may get two or three more,” he said, pleading anonymity.

A senior police official said security of Hurriyat leaders is being worked on the basis of threat perception. “The exercise actually started last week after intercepts of militants suggested that some leaders were at high risk,” he said on the condition of anonymity.

From the Hurriyat Conference(M) camp, the chairman of the amlgam, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq enjoys Z security cover while as other leaders that include Prof Abdul Gani Bhat, Bilal Lone, Abbas Ansari, Masroor Abbas and Advocate Shahidul Islam also enjoy police protection. From the Hurriyat Conference (G) camp, Aga Syed Al Mousivi Al Safavi, also has a police protection. Hurriyat Conference (G) chairman Syed Ali Geelani and JKLF chief do not have any security.

For Mirwaiz, at least four to five police men will be added to his security, while as the two to three cops will be added to the security of rest of the protected persons from the pro-freedom camp, sources in the Police Headquarters, said.

They said the expenses on security of protected Hurriyat leaders, has been costing dearly to the State, but “it was need of the hour and can’t be ignored.”  “Every year, crores of rupees are spent on the security expenses of Hurriyat leaders which covers their travel etc. Their security is reviewed on the basis of threat perception after every three months,” sources said.

Interestingly, Hizb commander Zakir, had warned of Hurriyat leaders of chopping their heads in Lal Chowk, if they continue to term the Kashmir issue as a political issue.

His statement, however, triggered infighting within militant ranks with Hizbul Mujahideen supermo Salahudin distancing himself from the Zakir’s assertions.   An open rebuff to Zakir prompted him to announce that he has parted ways from the outfit.

Guest