Advani’s security upgraded to PM’s level

New Delhi, Jan 7: Amidst reports that the ISI-sponsored militant outfits have plans to target home minister LK Advani, the government has upgraded his security at par with that of the Prime Minister sans the deployment of the Special Protection Group. This is for the first time that the government has taken such a step for any Union minister.

Informed sources said the decision was taken after several wireless intercepts suggested that militants were desperately trying to carry out a suicide attack on Mr Advani either at his residence or his cavalcade.

The elite “Black Cats” of the National Security Guard, which had been withdrawn following a government review last year, have taken back their positions with the home minister. Earlier, the special commandoes of the Delhi police were providing security to the home minister.

As per the new security guideline, traffic will be blocked while Mr Advani is moving, besides sanitising of the route and keeping security personnel on both sides of the road, the sources said.

A circular informing the new security guideline has been issued to the director generals of police and chief secretaries of all the states and Union territories. Since Mr Advani was reluctant to abandon his residence and move to a much secured bungalow, it was decided to monitor all entry and exit points of his residence and an extensive police patrolling was being carried out in the area.

— PTI