Srinagar: National Conference Vice President Omar Abdullah on Thursday walked towards his office in Srinagar after allegedly being denied security.
In a tweet, Omar said several party leaders were also stopped by the police from coming to the office in Srinagar.
The NC is holding a function at its headquarters to commemorate “Martyrs’ Day” in Kashmir to pay homage to 22 Kashmiri people who were killed by the army of a Dogra ruler on this day in 1931.
The erstwhile state of J&K used to observe ‘Martyrs’ Day’ on July 13 as a state holiday, and a grand official function used to be held every year on this day where the chief minister or the governor would be the chief guest.
However, after the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, J&K dropped the day from the list of gazetted holidays for 2020.
The former chief minister, Omar, said he walked to his office from Gupkar’s residence as he was refused security.
“Dear @JmuKmrPolice, don’t think that refusing to give me my escort vehicles and ITBP cover will stop me. I’ll walk to where I have to get to, and that’s exactly what I’m doing now,” Omar tweeted while posting a video.
“Now that I’ve got to the office and will go ahead with my programme you will send everything. The fact is, @JmuKmrPolice has stopped a lot of my senior colleagues from coming to the @JKNC_ office today by adopting the same tactics of stopping them in their homes. Notable amongst those stopped are Abdul Rahim Rather Sb, @AliMSagar_ Sb, Ali Mohd Dar Sb and others,” he added.
NC spokesman said despite the restrictions placed on Omar, he chose to walk from his home to the Nawai Subh office.
“Despite the restrictions placed on JKNC Vice President @OmarAbdullah, which denied him security vehicles and ITBP cover, he chose to walk from his home to the Nawai Subh office. His purpose was to address the party workers who had gathered there to pay their heartfelt tributes to the 1931 Martyrs,” an NC spokesperson said.
Police have not issued any statement about Omar’s or his party’s allegations.
