The preference of some politicians for state police security officers is making things difficult for the Delhi Police. Many politicians, for the sake of convenience, prefer Personal Security Officers (PSOs) from the state police and have refused to accept the Delhi Police PSOs while travelling in the Capital. However, the Delhi Police has now taken up the matter with the Intelligence Bureau (IB). Law and order is a state subject, and going by this requirement it is the Delhi Police’s responsibility to provide foolproof security cover to politicians while they are travelling in Delhi. As soon as the protectee reaches Delhi borders, it becomes Delhi Police’s responsibility to secure the person.
Politicians like Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah have flatly refused to accept Delhi Police personnel as their PSO. They prefer to have Jammu and Kashmir Police PSOs rather than of the Delhi Police. Sources say they are perhaps better accustomed to J&K Police PSOs as they have been working with them for a long time and understand their schedules in a better manner. Delhi Police also mentioned Harsimrat Kaur, who has refused to accept Delhi Police PSOs and prefers Punjab Police PSOs. On this IB officials advised Delhi Police to take up this matter with J&K and Punjab Police DGPs. They also suggested that Delhi Police officers should take up the issue with protectees themselves and convey to them the importance of Delhi Police protection through their private secretaries.
