Chandigarh, Jan 06: There are some myths that straw man arguments circulating about the security breach during Prime Minister’s visit to Punjab. Here are some responses to these myths which conclusively prove the complicity of the Police in Punjab.
1. Myth: Punjab Government/Punjab Police was not informed of the road journey
Facts: ASL for PM’s visit conducted by SPG along with Punjab administration and police on 1st & 2nd January. During the ASL, a contingency plan for the road journey from Bathinda to Ferozepur was discussed in detail.
Route survey, identification of vulnerable points were to be secured with strong police deployment. In light of intelligence inputs regarding sabotage possibilities, strong police deployment was emphasized in the ASL report.
The contingency rehearsal for the road journey from Bathinda to Ferozepur was also carried out on 4th January.
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2. Myth: There was a sudden change of plan by PM of which Punjab police was not aware
Facts: When a helicopter journey from Bathinda was not possible then Director SPG discussed with DGP Punjab about the possibility of undertaking a safe and secure road journey from Bathinda to Ferozepur.
A road journey was after getting clearance for the road journey from DGP Punjab. Senior officers of SPG had multiple conversations with DGP Punjab regarding the road journey.
In fact, SSP Bathinda piloted the motorcade from Bathinda to the Ferozepur district border and SSP Bathinda piloted the motorcade from the Ferozepur district border.
3. Myth: Punjab Police wasn’t aware of the security threats to Prime Minister
Facts: Internal documents from Punjab police show multiple communications by Punjab Police about securing the roads for PM’s journey.
The internal communications speak about making Traffic Diversion Plan In Advance because Dharna May Result in Road Block.
Internal documents also mentioned keeping a watch on the movement of farmers and that they should not be allowed to move to district Ferozepur to disrupt the rally.
4. Myth: It is the SPG’s duty alone to secure the Prime Minister. The State Government & Police have no role
Facts: The SPG Blue Book Chapter 1, Rule 1 states that the overall responsibility for ensuring the safety of the PM rests with the State Government & responsibility for providing proximate security rests with the SPG as per the SPG Act 1988.
Chapter 1 Rule 2 states that State Police shall make all protective arrangements for the security and safety of the PM.
Chapter 1 Rule 5 states that implementation of these rules will be the responsibility of the DGP of the state.
Also Read: Thank your CM, I reached Bathinda airport alive: PM Modi to officials over security lapse
5. Myth: Punjab Govt and Police did a proper job in terms of security
Facts: The police control room failed to inform the pilot of the motorcade about some so-called protestors on the PM’s route. Even if timely information about the blockade was relayed to PM’s motorcade by the police control room, the situation of getting stuck on a flyover could have been averted. As a result of no information, PM’s car reached very near to the so-called protestors.
The police at the site was found to be very inactive. There was no visible report on the part of the Punjab police to clear the route. Senior police officers present at the site were also found to be ineffective & the number of people assembled started rapidly increasing. All across the route, there was skeletal police deployment.
As per the SPG Bluebook, a car for the Chief Secretary and DGP was earmarked in the PM’s motorcade. However, neither the Chief Secretary nor DGP joined the motorcade.
The events and facts of 5th January clearly indicate that State Government and State Police completely failed in providing effective security for the PM. They not only failed to implement the security measures advised during the ASL but also failed to adhere to the provisions of the Blue Book.
