Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Sept 6: National Conference leader and contesting candidate from 86-Budhal constituency Javed Iqbal Choudhary, has expressed strong resentment over sudden withdrawal of security cover of his main poll campaigner, Baji Mian Mohd Aslam.
In a letter flashed to the Returning Officer of 86-Budhal Constituency, Javed Iqbal said on the day of filing of nomination papers on September 5, as contesting candidate for Budhal Constituency on National Conference mandate, a security cover of SSB was sent to him at Koteranka. But he refused to accept the security cover in view of highly biased and determinedly prejudiced action of District Rajouri Police and under the watch of the Election authorities.
Iqbal further revealed that on August 31, the Police authorities of district Rajouri all of a sudden withdrew security cover of Baji Mian Mohammad Aslam, who joined National Conference on August 22 and was named as main campaigner by the party in the district. This may be mentioned here that Baji Mian Mohammad Aslam is a protected person since 1999 with a house guard and personal security. Days after he joined National Conference, some BJP leaders and Police officials allegedly approached Baji Mian to quit NC, and join BJP or face consequences. When he refused to accept these threats, his security cover was withdrawn and he threatened to be booked under PSA.
The matter was immediately brought to the notice of Deputy Commissioner, (DEO) Rajouri, DIG Rajouri and SSP Rajouri. Upon refusal of district authorities to reverse their biased and prejudiced action clearly on the behest of BJP, the matter was raised with Election Commission of India and also the DGP Jammu and Kashmir. Five days have passed but there is no response in the matter, he alleged
Iqbal said withdrawal of security cover of Baji Mian Mohd Aslam has left him vulnerable to militant threat as he lives in and campaigns in a highly militancy prone area. It is unfortunate that his senior party colleague and key campaigner has been left vulnerable and exposed to security threat.
“It is highly unacceptable to me to have security cover when my key campaigner and senior colleague is denied security. If anything happens to me or my key campaigner or those for whom he has sought security, Rajouri police and District Election Officer, Rajouri will be responsible for it,” NC candidate said.
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