New Delhi, Jan 5: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was traveling by road in Punjab on Wednesday, was stuck on a flyover for 15-20 minutes due to blockade by some protesters, an incident the Union Home Ministry described as a “major lapse” in his security.
In a statement according to news agency Kashmir Dot Com (KDC) the Home Ministry said that after the “major security lapse” in the prime minister’s travel in Punjab, his convoy decided to return.
“Today morning PM 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 PM waited for about 20 minutes for the weather to clear out,” the statement said.
It said “when the weather didn’t improve, it was decided that he would visit the National Martyrs Memorial via road, which would take more than 2 hours. He proceeded to travel by road after necessary confirmation of necessary security arrangements by the DGP Punjab Police.”
The MHA further said “Around 30 kms away from National Martyrs Memorial in Hussainiwala, when the PM’s convoy reached a flyover, it was found that the road was blocked by some protestors,” adding that the PM was stuck on a flyover for 15-20 minutes. This was a major lapse in the security of the PM.
“The PM’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 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, MHA said.
The Ministry of Home Affairs taking cognisance of this serious security lapse 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, the statement added. (KDC)
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