The heated discussion, marked by emotional outbursts from several lawmakers over personal security matters in the Legislative Assembly yesterday, reminded me of a few anecdotes from the conflict landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.

Here is one particularly profound memory: In September 2002, veteran Daily Excelsior journalist and my friend Sanjeev Pargal and I accompanied Ghulam Nabi Azad and Ambika Soni to a campaign rally for Congress leader Chowdhary Mohammad Aslam in Surankote.

As the helicopter descended from the hills and hovered briefly while locating a touchdown point, we noticed highly unusual movement among the security personnel. Ambika Soni drew Azad’s attention to it. He said, “This is for us.”

As the helicopter descended further toward the landing site, we saw several dozen bulletproof cars closing in. The moment the helicopter touched down, they formed a complete circle around it. Police personnel rushed to the aircraft without even waiting for the blades to come to a halt.

This was certainly not the kind of protocol Azad had suggested to Soni just a short while earlier. Honestly, Sanjeev and I found ourselves oscillating between calm and excitement, anticipating what would unfold next.

A DySP signalled to the pilot of the Deccan Aviation chopper (Azad’s proclaimed election lucky charm) to open the doors immediately. As the door on Azad’s side opened, we heard loud gunshots being exchanged. We could then clearly see action unfolding in the maize fields right in front of us.

The DySP said, “Sir, there is an encounter going on,” as he hurriedly escorted the leaders........

© Kashmir Observer