In public life, security is of paramount importance. In the democratic system of Government providing security to leader of Opposition in Assembly as well as other members, both former and sitting, according to threat perception to the person concerned is duty of the ruling conglomeration.
Generally, security details are provided to high-risk individuals by the police and local Government. Depending on the threat perception to the person, the category is divided into four tiers: Z+ (highest level); Z; Y and X. Individuals under the security blanket include Cabinet Ministers, Chief Ministers, High Court and Supreme Court Judges, leading politicians, and senior bureaucrats.
In Chhattisgarh, former State Minister Mahendra Karma, who was on the top of the hit list of Maoist insurgents due to his tireless fight against Naxalism was entitled to Z plus category, according to RK Viz, Additional Director General of Police (Naxal operations). Besides, other MlAs, both present and former included in the Congress leaders convoy returning from Sukma were also entitled for security cover being VIPs.
Unfortunately, on Saturday while the convoy of leaders was returning and was ambushed in Darbha valley, hardly 7 personal security officers were present with Karma. Also escort car, a vital part of the security set up was missing while other leaders including former Union Minister Vidya Charan Shukla, Congress State president Nand Kumar Patel, party vice president Kawasi lakhma and a number of other former MlAs were left with only one or two personal security officer leaving a big chink in the security cover which was duty of the State Government to provide specially when they were in an area known for insurgent activities.
Also, Government's intelligence set up as well as local administration abysmally failed to gather information about the massive attack launched by the rebels.