Centre's Big Move - CISF Set To Take Over Parliament's Security After Massive Breach

Parliament's Security Revamp: The urgency for a security revamp stems from a recent breach on December 13, when intruders, Manoranjan D and Sagar Sharma, jumped into the Lok Sabha from the visitors' gallery, releasing smoke canisters.

New Delhi: In the wake of a recent security breach at Parliament, the central government is actively exploring measures to fortify the institution's security, with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) most likely to be given the job, according to government sources.

#BigBreaking | संसद की सुरक्षा पर बहुत बड़ी खबर. अब CISF के हवाले संसद की सुरक्षा

13 दिसंबर की घटना के बाद बड़ा फैसला, पहले दिल्ली पुलिस देख रही थी सिक्योरिटी#ParliamentSecurityBreach #CISF #Security pic.twitter.com/9PELvyzMrF

— Zee News (@ZeeNews) December 21, 2023

Security Overhaul Talks Include Key Stakeholders

Insiders revealed to news agency ANI that a crucial meeting was convened in this regard, which was attended by officials from the Delhi Police, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), CISF, the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and other pertinent divisions. The deliberations included a proposal to entrust the CISF with the comprehensive security of Parliament, citing its expertise. Another viewpoint suggested retaining Delhi Police security personnel at specific points.

Decision Pending, Survey Initiated

While a final decision is anticipated in the upcoming week, sources hinted at a two-pronged approach discussed during the meeting. Simultaneously, an order has been issued for a thorough survey of the Parliament building complex, gathering crucial insights before the potential deployment of CISF. The CISF, a central armed police force, presently safeguards numerous central government ministry buildings in Delhi, along with installations in the nuclear and aerospace domain, civil airports, and the Delhi Metro.

Lok Sabha Security Breach Triggers Action

The urgency for a security revamp stems from a recent breach on December 13, when intruders, Manoranjan D and Sagar Sharma, jumped into the Lok Sabha from the visitors' gallery, releasing smoke canisters. The Lok Sabha Secretariat responded swiftly, suspending eight security personnel for lapses in handling the incident.

MHA Orders Probe Into Security Breach

Charged under the anti-terror Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), the intruders triggered a comprehensive review of Parliament security. The MHA, responding to the Lok Sabha Secretariat's request, initiated an inquiry committee under CRPF Director General Anish Dayal Singh. This committee, comprising members from various security agencies and experts, aims to identify lapses, investigate the breach, and recommend corrective actions.

Oppn Voices Concerns Over Parliament's Functioning 

In a related development, Opposition MPs have raised concerns, alleging that the Modi government's actions, including mass suspensions of MPs, indicate a reluctance to allow Parliament to function smoothly. In light of these events, the MHA emphasizes a commitment to improving security in Parliament and awaits the recommendations of the inquiry committee.

Further intensifying the ongoing war of words with the Centre, the Opposition lawmakers, who faced suspension from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha earlier this week, took to the streets of central Delhi on Thursday holding a protest march from the Old Parliament building to Vijay Chowk. The demonstration began with Opposition MPs carrying a prominent banner declaring "Save Democracy" and placards bearing messages such as "Opposition MPs Suspended! Is This The End of Democracy?" and "Parliament Caged, Democracy Expelled!"

Row Escalates Over Lok Sabha Security Breach

The protest comes amidst an escalating conflict between opposition parties and the ruling BJP concerning the expulsion of over 140 MPs for alleged "unruly conduct." The rift deepened as parliamentary authorities and the opposition collided over demands for the government to be answerable for the recent security breach.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah were called upon to provide formal statements, but they declined, citing unspecified national security concerns. Despite this, both leaders addressed the media on the issue. It may be noted that more than 140 opposition MPs have been suspended from the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha since last week for disrupting proceedings.