Srinagar, July 6 -- Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference president Sajad Lone on Sunday said that the withdrawal of security cover for certain political leaders appeared to follow a pattern linked to public criticism and threats.

He was speaking at a press conference at his residence in Srinagar. Lone said that the security cover of leaders such as former minister Hakeem Yaseen and politician Sheikh Imran was reduced significantly. He noted that this reduction came despite their long-term exposure to risk. Yaseen, he recalled, had survived a targeted attack in the 1990s.

Lone did not frame his remarks as a complaint or demand, but said it was important for the public to understand how decisions around security are being made. He said t...