India's Jammu and Kashmir state withdrew the security details for 18 separatist leaders and 155 other opposition figures on Wednesday (20) after an Islamist suicide bomber killed 40 paramilitary troopers last week.
The separatist leaders had been allocated security personnel to protect them from militants after they entered talks with the federal government earlier.
In a statement, the Jammu and Kashmir state government said it "felt that providing security to these separatist leaders is a wastage of scarce state resources which could be better utilised elsewhere".
Besides the separatist leaders, the security of 155 political figures and activists some from mainstream opposition parties was also withdrawn, the statement said.
"Through this (step), over 1,000 police personnel and over 100 vehicles are freed to do regular police work," it said.
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A rescuer assists a resident through heavy mud following flash floods on August 27, 2026 in Trishuli, Nepal. A sudden flood swept through the Bhote Koshi River basin in northern Rasuwa on August 26, damaging settlements, roads and energy infrastructure as rescue teams searched for residents and foreign travellers reported out of contact. Hundreds were reported missing, as the death toll started to climb.Getty Images
Rescue personnel provide medical treatment to a child at an army rescue camp in Trishuli Batar, Nepal, on August 27, 2026. A sudden flood swept through the Bhote Koshi River basin in northern Rasuwa on August 26, damaging settlements, roads and energy infrastructure, as rescue teams searched for residents and foreign travellers reported out of contact. Hundreds were reported missing as the death toll began to climb. Getty Ima
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