New Delhi: Former member of the Peoples Democratic Party and president of Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party, Altaf Bukhari has been given 'Z+' security by the Ministry of Home Affairs, reported news agency ANI. In 2019, he Bukhari was explled from PDP after which on March 8, 2020, he formed his party, Apni Party.
The Union Territory Police will take care of his security (Z+) in their jurisdiction while the CRPF will ensure the cover at other locations (Z).
A contingent of about 20-24 armed personnel will work in shifts to ensure round-the-clock security to Bukari. The ministry sanctioned the cover on the recommendation of a threat analysis report prepared by central intelligence and security agencies, reported PTI.
Meanwhile, the Lucknow bench of Allahbad High Court refused to direct the Uttar Pradesh government to provide 'Y' or 'Z'-category security cover to Samajwadi Party MLC Swami Prasad Maurya.
However, Maurya was allowed by the bench to question the committee report based on which his security was reduced, before a competent forum.
'Z+' category is the highest level of security cover given to a person in India. It includes a 55-people security team with armed commandos from the National Security Guard. They carry sub-machine guns and modern communications equipment and are trained in martial arts and unarmed combat.
The security cover is granted to top dignitaries Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Finance Minister and former President Ram Nath Kovind.