Home Ministry Committee on PM Security Lapse

January 7, 2022

Following a breach in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s safety in Punjab, Ministry of Home Affairs has set up a committee to inquire into the lapses leading to a grave security risk.

3-member committee

The three-member committee is led by: Secretary (Security), Cabinet Secretariat Sudhir Kumar Saxena.
Other two members of the committee include- Intelligence Bureau Joint Director Balbir Singh besides Special Protection Group Inspector General S Suresh.
Committee has been asked to submit its report as soon as possible.
After its appointment, the committee visited the Ferozepur-Moga highway to probe the security lapses, when the PM’s convoy was on that route.

How was PM’s security breached?

Prime Minister Modi was scheduled to address a rally and launch projects in Punjab on January 5, 2022. He landed at Bathinda and was scheduled to visit National Martyrs Memorial in Hussainwala by helicopter. But air transport couldn’t be arranged because of poor weather conditions. Thus, Prime Minister decided to visit the memorial via road. While he was on his way, the convoy was blocked by protestors. PM was stuck for 15 to 20 minutes on the fly over, as opposed to the protocol.

Who is responsible for PM’s protection and security?

The Special Protection Group (SPG) is responsible for protection and security of the Prime Minister. He is the only VVIP who is protected by the SPG, after an amendment to the SPG Act. The SPG commando force is the innermost security cordon surrounding the PM wherever he goes. The PM’s security also comprises of personnel from other central and state security agencies such as local LIUs, state police and central intelligence agencies. The SPG has sole responsibility for PM’s security and perimeter routes. State police is responsible to secure areas which the PM visits, under the supervision of the SPG.

How is PM’s security planned?

Prime Minister’s security details and planned routes are discussed, finalized and documented by central agencies in close association with the SPG. Entire exercise involves central and state agencies.

Advanced Security Liaison (ASL)

The SPG carries an Advanced Security Liaison (ASL) for maintaining every minute of Prime Minister’s planned routes. This exercise is done by involving officials from Intelligence Bureau in concerned state, police officials and district magistrate. As part of ASL, entire route and venue is completely sanitized by state police force. Clearance is issued by head of the state police force, which is lastly examined by central agencies and the SPG.

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