Srinagar: Jammu & Kashmir National Conference leader Omar Abdullah slammed the Central government for removal of security to mainstream political workers and office-bearers in the state.

“Withdrawal of security to mainstream political workers & office bearers is a retrograde step that will only weaken political activity in the valley. This is regardless of the fact that no one from the National Conference (NC) has had their security withdrawn in yesterday’s list.”

“At a time when mainstream political parties should be encouraged to step up their activities & build greater contact with people to counter the forces that have supported radicalisation & violence this will have the opposite fallout.”

“I would like to encourage Jammu & Kashmir Governor to reconsider this step. If it is not revisited we will approach the courts & ask them to intervene.”

“I have no doubt this step was taken without taking in to consideration inputs from central & state intelligence agencies which can only mean it’s been done for political purposes & there is an element of pick & choose at play here,” Abdullah said in a statement on Twitter.