MHA seeks report on PM Modi's security breach in Punjab

New Delhi: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has taken cognizance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's security breach during his Punjab visit on Wednesday and sought a detailed report from the state government.

The MHA also asked the Punjab government to fix responsibility for this security lapse and take strict action.

As per the original plan, PM Modi was to take a helicopter to Hussainwala after landing at Bathinda airport. Poor weather conditions forced a change in plan, and it was decided that the PM would travel to the National Martyrs Memorial via road- a journey of over two hours. The convoy proceeded on the journey only after confirmation of necessary security arrangements by the DGP Punjab, the MHA said

Around 30 km away from the National Martyrs Memorial in Hussainiwala, when the Prime Minister's convoy reached a flyover, it was found that the road was blocked by some protesters.

The ministry noted that the Prime Minister was stuck on a flyover for 15-20 minutes which was a major lapse in security.

The MHA further stated that the Prime Minister's schedule and travel plan was communicated well in advance to the Punjab Government. "As per procedure, they have to make necessary arrangements for logistics, security as well as keep a contingency plan ready. Also in view of the contingency plan, the Punjab Government has to deploy additional security to secure any movement by road, which were clearly not deployed. After this security lapse, it was decided to head back to Bathinda Airport," the MHA said.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has termed the breach as "totally unacceptable" and assured that "accountability will be fixed". He also slammed the Punjab government, calling it "Congress-made happening" and demanded an apology from the grand old party's high command.

Prime Minister Modi was to visit Ferozepur, Punjab to lay the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth more than Rs 42,750 crore.