The minister said that there are some officers who have helped a great deal in fighting militancy in the state and after their services were over, the state government cannot leave them in lurch as they still need protection.
The minister was replying to a question raised by Syed Asgar Ali in the House.
Wani said the government provides the security based on the threat perception to their life.
"Based on the threat perception, owing to their direct/indirect association in anti-militancy operations during their service, some retired police/civil officers continue to be provided security as the threat to their personal safety continues," the minister said in a written reply.
The minister cited a recent incident when a retired Deputy Superintendent of Police Abdul Hamid Bhat was shot dead by militants in the city in August.
"It is the duty of the state government to provide security to such people," the minister said.
Wani clarified the measure is temporary and is subject to revision.
He also said the government adheres to strict guidelines in assessing the threat perception and provides security to retired officers based upon the gravity of the threat perception and the availability of resources.
