New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi cancelled his events in Punjab today after he was stuck on a flyover for around 20 minutes because of protesters – a massive security breach that has ignited a conflict between the centre and the Congress-ruled state ahead of elections.
PM Modi returned to the airport in Bathinda because of the breach, the Home Ministry said in a statement blaming the Congress government for failing to prepare for the visit.
“The PM was stuck on a flyover for 15-20 minutes. This was a major lapse in the security of PM,” said the Home Ministry.
Today morning Prime Minister landed at Bathinda from where he was to go to National Martyrs Memorial at Hussainiwala by helicopter. Due to rain and poor visibility, PM waited for about 20 minutes for the weather to clear out. 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. The MHA, taking cognisance of this serious security lapse, has sought a detailed report from the Punjab government. The Punjab Govt has also been asked to fix responsibility for the lapse and take strict action.
Calling it the “single biggest lapse in the security of any Indian Prime Minister in recent years”, government sources accused the Punjab police of “conniving” with so-called protesters. Only the Punjab Police knew the PM’s precise route, the sources said.
The Prime Minister landed at Bathinda earlier today for his visit to a National Martyrs Memorial at Hussainiwala. He was to be flown by helicopter but due to rain and poor visibility, he waited for about 20 minutes for the weather to clear up.
“When the weather didn’t improve, it was decided that he would visit the National Martyrs 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 Home Ministry said.
Around 30 km from the memorial, when the PM’s convoy reached a flyover, the road was blocked by protestors.
“The PM’s schedule and travel plan were communicated well in advance to 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 was clearly not deployed. After this security lapse, it was decided to head back to Bathinda airport.”
