M A I N   N E W S

Centre withdraws CM, Deputy CM’s security
Chitleen K Sethi
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 22
Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and his son-cum-Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, both under Z-plus security, are at present in the same boat as Beas legislator Manjinder Singh Kang with regard to their security covers. The Centre in a recent review has withdrawn the security cover of both Badals.

The state reacted quickly and halted the return of over 20 NSG commandos deployed with the Chief Minister, but in case of the Deputy CM, the security cover of almost a 100 Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) men was withdrawn and recalled on Thursday. The Chief Minister said today that he had written to the Centre and had been assured the restoration of the Deputy CM’s security at the earliest.

Threat perceptions also called threat evaluations are periodically reviewed and strength of security cover provided to the protected person determined. Due to continued threat from militants groups that were active during the days of terrorism in Punjab, both the Chief Minister and his son continue to be in the list of people with the highest level of protection comprising several security cordons.

In a recent decision taken earlier but implemented now, some other important people like Maninderjit Singh Bitta have been taken out of the Z-plus category and their security cover has been downgraded. Former Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh continues to be in the Z-plus category.

Refuting allegations about the withdrawal of security at the state Home Minister’s direction to Beas legislator Kang, who has openly sided with former Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal, the CM said today that: “Providing and withdrawing of security is something security agencies do. Politicians are only blamed. My own security as well as the security of Deputy CM provided by the Centre has been withdrawn yesterday. Whom do I blame for it?”

He said Punjab had taken up the matter with the Union Home Ministry and orders were expected to be reviewed shortly. It is learnt that Sukhbir also took up the matter with the Union Home Minister today, who has given an assurance to look into the matter.