MHA takes cognisance of 'security breach' during PM's Punjab visit, seeks report from Channi Govt

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 5

Taking cognisance of the “serious security lapse” during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Punjab visit today, Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sought a detailed report from the state government and asked for fixing responsibility and strict action against those responsible for it.

In an official statement the MHA said, “... taking cognisance of this serious security lapse the Ministry has sought a detailed report from the state government. The State Government has also been asked to fix responsibility for this lapse and take strict action.”

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Punjab CM Channi refutes 'security breach' allegations, blames PM Modi's 'change of plan'

Giving details of the turn of events the MHA said today PM Modi landed at Bathinda from where he was to go to the National Martyrs Memorial at Hussainiwala by helicopter.  “Due to rain and poor visibility, the Prime Minister waited for about 20 minutes for the weather to clear out,” it said.

“When the weather did not improve, it was decided that he would visit the National Marytrs Memorial via road, which would take more than two hours. He proceeded to travel by road after necessary confirmation of necessary security arrangements by the DGP Punjab Police,” the MHA said, while adding that around 30 km away from the National Martyrs Memorial in Hussainiwala, when the PM’s convoy reached a flyover, it was found that the road was blocked by some protestors.

“The Prime Minister was stuck on a flyover for 15-20 minutes. This was a major lapse in the security of the Prime Minister,” the MHA said, adding that the 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 was clearly not deployed,” the MHA said in the official statement.

After this security lapse, it was decided to head back to Bathinda Airport, it said.

Meanwhile, sharply reacting over the incident, BJP president JP Nadda accused the Congress government in Punjab for trying to do “all possible tricks to scuttle PM Modi’s programme in the state”.

“In doing they did not bother that the PM was to pay tributes to Bhagat Singh & other martyrs, and lay foundation stone  for key developmental works. By their cheap antics, Congress Govt in Punjab has shown that they are anti-development & have no respect for freedom fighters too,” Nadda said in one of his Twitter posts.