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Lone gets Z security

A leading light of the separatist conglomerate Abdul Ghani Lone has been accorded Z security by the National Conference Government.

Lone had launched a tirade against militants, especially foreigners, after his return from Pakistan last month.

A top police source said that a high level meeting in Jammu on Friday was convened by the state intelligence chief, to asses the threat perception of the senior leader of the All Party Hurriyat Conference. The meeting was attended by senior police and state security officials.

"He has been categorised as a Z security person, like ministers of the National Conference," said the official.

Lone will immediately be provided a bullet proof car and two bullet proof escorts.

Security at his Rawalpora residence has also been beefed up.

State security is rushing another platoon of the state armed police to his residence. The Rawalpora residence of the Peoples Conference leader is presently guarded by armed policemen.

Sources said that it will now depend on Lone whether he would like the state armed police or the paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force.

The state authorities were worried about his security after his recent statements.

On Friday, Lone had said in New Delhi that "there was no role for foreign militants in the political settlement of the Kashmir issue".

Firebrand Jamaat Islami leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Dukhtarani Milat chief Asiya Andrabi had criticised Lone for his utterances. Lone had also said recently that certain elements had "launched a campaign that he had been sold out".

Other APHC leaders were provided police guards by the state government before the 1996 elections.

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