Parliament may raise own security force
Parliament was attacked in 2001 by terrorists belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba when both the Houses were in the session.
New Delhi: After the Pathankot airbase attack, Parliament security has initiated the process to equip itself with wherewithal to safeguard the Raisina Hill premises from any possible drone, biological or chemical attacks. The move is being expedited after security drills for Parliament revealed various lacunae recently.
Parliament security officials have also mooted a proposal to raise their own security personnel, specially trained to deal with situations involving possible drone, chemical or biological attacks.
“Parliament security is ensured through an integrated efforts involving the ministry of home affairs and the Air Force. But we are seeking to go a step ahead and get the equipment and manpower ourselves to deal with situations arising out of possible attacks launched through drones,” said a senior official involved in Parliament security.
The Parliament was attacked in 2001 by terrorists belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) when both the Houses were in the session, which had led to the killing of five attackers, besides nine security staff dying in gun battle.
“After the Pathankot airbase attack recently, the security apparatus of the Parliament was reviewed, which revealed some shortcomings which cannot be divulged due to obvious reasons. Necessary steps have been taken to rectify the shortcomings,” added the official.
“We want to procure equipment which can disable flying objects,” an official said.
“We want to procure equipment which can disable any flying objects like drones in the close range. The technology and the equipment is available. We have submitted such a proposal to the ministry of home affairs,” said the official.
Furthermore, the official stated that securing Parliament from possible chemical or biological attacks is high on their agenda and discussions are being held at the highest level.
“We want to raise a cadre of specially trained security personnel who can specifically deal with situations arising out of possible biological or chemical attacks. We are also looking at procuring means to neutralise such attacks to ensure highest level of security to the Parliament and members of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, besides others who work here,” said the official.
(THIS STORY ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN THE ASIAN AGE AS MAY THE CASE BE)