Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi, chief of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), turned down an offer for the second highest ‘Z’ category security cover, a day after shots were fired at his car while he was returning to Delhi after campaigning in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut.”I don’t want Z category security. I want to be an A category citizen, at par with you all. Why was UAPA not invoked against those who fired at me?” he said, referring to the tough anti-terror law that has been extensively used in recent times by BJP-led state governments and the centre, and according to critics, disproportionately against Muslims.
“I want to live, to speak. My life will be safe when the poor are safe. I will not get scared of those who shot at my car,” he said in parliament.The government had decided to provide him with Z category security by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) after reviewing the threat level in the light of last night’s attack, just a week ahead of elections in Uttar Pradesh.
Two people have been arrested for firing at his convoy at Meerut’s Kithoudh area, police said, and have been sent to 14 days’ custody.One of the accused is Sachin, a resident of Noida who has an earlier attempt to murder case against him.
