Prime Minister Narendra Modi was stopped on a flyover in Punjab on Wednesday, an omission that the Centre blamed on the Punjab administration and demanded a report on.
“When the PM’s convoy arrived at a flyover about 30 kilometres from the National Martyrs Memorial in Hussainiwala, it was discovered that the road had been blocked by protestors. For 15-20 minutes, the PM was stranded on a flyover. This was a significant breach of PM’s security “According to the MHA
Major Security Breach
Only Punjab Police knew the exact route the PM’s convoy would follow, according to government sources in Delhi, implying that protesters were involved.
PM Modi was supposed to fly to Hussainwala by helicopter after landing at Bathinda airport, according to the original plan. Due to poor weather, it was agreed that the PM would drive by road to the National Marytrs Memorial, a route that would take more than two hours. According to the MHA, the convoy began its journey only after the DGP Punjab confirmed the required security measures.
The Punjab government did not deploy additional security as a contingency plan to safeguard any travel via road, according to the report. The PM’s motorcade thereafter returned to Bathinda International Airport.
Absolutely Unacceptable
Such “breach of security process” is “absolutely unacceptable,” according to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and accountability will be established.
During the Prime Minister’s visit to Punjab, Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Channi denied any security violation. In an evening press conference, he revealed that plans were revised at the last minute, and that PM Modi drove down to Hussainiwala rather than flying.
He went on to say that the situation would be investigated, but that no action would be done at this time. Channi stated that he would be unable to accept the PM because several members of his close circle had lately tested positive for Covid.
Punjab: PM Modi stuck on road for 15-20 mins; MHA seeks report from state on ‘security lapse’
