MHA Writes to States Ahead of Campaigning for Lok Sabha Polls to Prevent Rerun of 2022 Breach in PM’s Security – News18

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), in an attempt to prevent security breaches similar to the one in Punjab involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has instructed states to meticulously plan and secure venues, routes, and backups for the prime minister’s rallies and other dignitaries’ events during election season, with advanced security measures in place.

A senior official, familiar with the situation, stated that these directives have been issued due to past incidents of security lapses during PM Modi’s visit in 2022. The prime minister and other high-profile dignitaries are expected to embark on extensive nationwide tours and hold public meetings and rallies leading up to the 2024 general elections.

Venue selection for these events is done after finalising the schedule, and all states have been instructed to avoid any security breaches by ensuring thorough security measures.

The official emphasised the importance of securing venues beforehand as they can be potential targets for sabotage if left unguarded. The official said there is a risk of inimical elements concealing explosives at these venues and the possibility of subverting workers involved in setting up the stage for planting improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

To mitigate these risks, states have been instructed to sanitise routes, have back-up plans in place, and subject venues to strict security checks as soon as the prime minister’s programme is confirmed. Security surveillance, including anti-sabotage and explosive checks using sniffer dogs, should be conducted at least a day prior to the event at all venues.

What happened in 2022?

According to the Union government, the prime minister landed at Bathinda airport on the morning of January 5 from where he was to go to the National Martyrs Memorial at Hussainiwala by helicopter. However, due to rain and poor visibility, PM Modi “waited for about 20 minutes for the weather to clear out. When the weather did not improve, it was decided that he would visit the National Martyrs Memorial via road, which would take more than two hours”.

The MHA added that the prime minister “proceeded to travel by road after necessary confirmation of necessary security arrangements” by the Punjab DGP. But, when the PM’s convoy reached a flyover, around 30 kilometres before the National Martyrs Memorial, the road was allegedly blocked by some protesters.

“The Prime Minister was stuck on the flyover for 15-20 minutes. This was a major lapse in the security of the Prime Minister,” the ministry said. It added: “The Prime Minister’s schedule and travel plan was communicated well in advance to the Punjab Government. As per procedure, they have to make necessary arrangements for logistics, security as well as keep a contingency plan ready. Also in view of the contingency plan, the Punjab Government has to deploy additional security to secure any movement by road, which were clearly not deployed. After this security lapse, it was decided to head back to Bathinda Airport.”