With Intelligence inputs indicating high levels of threat to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and other VVIP protectees during the forthcoming general elections, the Intelligence Bureau has sought better coordination between different agencies involved in their security management.
The IB has also stressed on the need for better liaison between the security agencies involved in the protection of VIP protectees and the organisers of the political events during the Parliamentary election campaigns.
Inputs indicate that the terror groups could exploit the unrestricted movement of politicians during the poll campaigns for causing maximum damage to life and gain wide publicity.
The Union Home Ministry has issued guidelines for appointment of a Nodal Officer by the District Magistrate to monitor the movement of helicopters in his/her jurisdiction.
The Special Protection Group (SPG) that guards the PM has suggested that prefabricated structures for dais/morchas should be designed with the help of Public Works Department (PWD) to pre-empt the possibility of collapse of temporary wooden
structures.
The SPG has also underscored the need to create/update security units and train police personnel through training and refresher courses with particular reference to the Blue Book and other guidelines. The agency has also highlighted the importance of critical resources such as personnel, equipment, transportation and electronic gadgets like explosive detectors and minesweepers.
The SPG further underlined the need for coordination among agencies to thrash out issues relating to motorcade, accommodation, safe houses, contingency hospitals, ambulance and food and beverage security.
“Elections posed a tremendous challenge to the security forces on account of the extraordinary demands placed on them due to movement of large number of VIPs coupled unhindered public participation in the democratic process even while the security personnel were spread out thinly,” said a senior intelligence official.
Challenges for the security agencies included impromptu road shows, visits of VVIPs at short notices to multiple meeting places and remote areas in well publicized meetings, which often underwent last minute changes and tendency of some VIPs to mingle with the crowd thereby disrupting the best of security arrangements.
Instances of breach of access control, limitations of checking/frisking, shortage of trained manpower and equipment were other constraints faced by the security agencies.
The agencies also stressed on the importance of close liaison with Department of Public Relations and political parties to ensure proper security planning.
At a closed door session on VIP Security Issues in the Context of the Forthcoming General Elections, the Intelligence and security agencies also emphasized on carrying out security drills such as general surveillance, routine anti-sabotage checks, briefing, adherence to Advance Security liaison decisions and quick coordination meetings fixed at short notices.