Farooq tops terrorist hit-list

By Shujaat Bukhari

SRINAGAR, OCT. 7. Threat to the life of the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, is increasing with each passing day as his name tops the militants' hit-list. Notwithstanding the fact that Dr. Abdullah is the only politician from the State who is placed under Z-plus category of security - the highest cover - attempts on his life have increased with innovative methods.

The blast at the Assembly complex here on October 1, has indicated how the militants are after his life. When the suicide bomber blew himself up alongwith the RDX-laden vehicle, three militants sneaked in and were asking for the Chief Minister. ``They inquired about Farooq saheb,'' an employee of the Assembly who had an encounter with the militants, said.

Today in Charar-e-Sharief, at least three militant groups reportedly tried to enter the town but the heavy presence of police and para military forces stalled them. Their target was also the Chief Minister who took a helicopter to the town, an official said.

In the new scheme of things in which it has become difficult for the security agencies to prevent the `fidayeen' or suicide squad attacks, the threat perception to Dr. Abdullah has considerably increased. With a cover of the National Security Guard (NSG) commandos, a full fledged unit of the Special Security Group (SSG) headed by the officer of the rank of a DIG is detailed for his security. The SSG was last year put at par with the SPG, the group which protects the Prime Minister and former Prime Ministers. But it is yet to take a formal shape.

Top brass police personnel are worried about the ``dangerous turn'' the situation is taking and are busy in devising methods to prevent attacks. Dr. Abdullah at many times has escaped the security cover to enjoy ``real life'' on the streets. But now when militants are bent upon targeting him, it may not be easy for him to take such risks. ``He always goes by our advice,'' says an officer detailed with him.

Official sources said that it is now the SSG which has been made responsible for the security of the Chief Minister, inside or outside the house. At the district headquarters too, it will be the responsibility of the SSG to take care of his security for which the number of officials is being increased in the group, a senior official said. Only three weeks back, an unidentified caller rang up the Chief Minister's Gupkar Road residence threatening an attack. However, it could not be executed and even the officials refused to confirm it.

After the strikes in the U.S., the security of Chief Minister has been increased. The security wing of the Jammu and Kashmir police has cancelled the special passes issued to official and some non official vehicles passing through the Gupkar Road. Only the vehicles of Ministers and MLAs besides a few top officials are allowed to cross the area. A high-rise wall facing the gate of the Chief Minister's residence has been constructed and security around the house has been increased.

Observers in Srinagar say that giving legitimacy to India's control over Kashmir in 1996 by contesting the elections is the biggest reason for the militants trying to eliminate Dr. Abdullah. Though the Chief Minister has been asked to curtail his movement, the elections slated for next year may throw a bigger challenge for the security set up.

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