Heightened Security for Jaishankar Amidst India-Pakistan Tensions
In light of escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack, the Delhi Police is taking steps to strengthen the security of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. This comes after a formal request from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) over the weekend.
Review of Security Measures
The police are also reviewing the security arrangements for Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and at least 25 BJP leaders, including Union Ministers, MPs, and Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. This decision was made during a crucial security meeting on Sunday led by Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora.
The meeting focused on providing enhanced protection for VIPs who have publicly spoken out against Pakistan, particularly on social media, during this period of heightened confrontation.
Jaishankar’s Security Enhancement
Sources reveal that the Delhi Police has urged the Union Home Ministry to conduct a thorough threat assessment for Jaishankar. The proposed security enhancements include increasing the number of security personnel outside his residence and office, providing an escort car, and assigning him a new call sign.
Currently, Jaishankar has Z category security cover provided by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), which entails six gunmen for mobile security and 10 for residence security. He previously enjoyed Z-plus security, with a larger contingent of personnel.
However, Home Ministry guidelines currently do not mandate a specific escort car or call sign for VIPs and VVIPs. According to sources, the MEA sent a letter to a senior police officer at the Police Headquarters (PHQ) on Sunday, requesting a decision on enhanced security after a fresh threat assessment.
Expanded Protection for Other Leaders
The security division of Delhi Police has also been instructed to equip security personnel’s vehicles with first-aid kits. Starting Monday, these personnel are undergoing intensive training at New Police Lines, encompassing firing exercises and specialized sessions on medical emergencies.
The list of BJP leaders receiving enhanced security includes prominent figures like Union Ministers J P Nadda and Bhupender Yadav, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and BJP MPs Nishikant Dubey and Sudhanshu Trivedi. Notably, BJP stalwart Murli Manohar Joshi is also on this list.
