In a bizarre move, the Union Home Ministry has withdrawn the CISF security cover of the Central Government Offices (CGO) complex that is high on the terror radar.
The move has been taken without making any alternate arrangement for security of the complex that houses the headquarters of key paramilitary forces like CRPF, BSF, CISF, ITBP besides a host of other Government offices. The complex remained without any security for the last three days.
Following the Union Home Ministry orders, the CISF removed its contingent of 80 personnel guarding the four gates of the complex. The CISF also used to keep a Quick Reaction Team in readiness to thwart any terror bid. When contacted, CISF Director General Rajiv told The Pioneer, “The CISF security cover was removed from Saturday following an order of the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Delhi Police will now provide security to the complex.”
When asked about the implications of the order for removal of the CISF security cover, Rajiv said there is no imminent threat to the office complex but it remains a sensitive institution. He said the ministry had earlier constituted a committee to review the security arrangement of Government buildings in the capital. The committee had recommended CISF cover for certain buildings and removal of paramilitary force from other such installations.
The CISF was deployed for securing the complex in 2007 after some arms and ammunition were illegally taken into the BSF headquarters. The CISF separately guards the Paryavaran Bhawan, the office of the Ministry of Environment and Forests, the ministry of New and Renewable Energy and police wireless coordination.
The complex also houses the offices the National Informatics Centre (NIC), DRI and offices of Ministries of Health and Corporate Affairs.