No Security Lapse, PM Was Supposed To Go By Helicopter: Punjab CM As PM Cancels Rally

Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday canceled his address over a “serious” security lapse in Punjab’s Ferozepur after the Punjab government failed to deploy additional personnel due to inclement weather.

Countering the allegations Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi said, “There was no security lapse. PM’s road plans were made at the last minute. He was supposed to go by helicopter.” Also Read: Protestors Given Access to PM’s Route, Punjab CM Refused To Get On Phone: JP Nadda

“70,000 chairs were put up for rally but only 700 people turned up,” Channi further said.

According to a statement by the Ministry of Home Affairs, “This morning the PM reached Bathinda, from where he was to go by helicopter to the National Martyrs Memorial at Hussainiwala. Due to rain and poor visibility, the PM waited for about 20 minutes for the weather to clear. When the weather did not improve, it was decided that he would go to the National Martyrs Memorial by road, which would take more than 2 hours. After the DGP Punjab Police confirmed the necessary security arrangements, he proceeded to travel by road.

“Around 30 kms away from National Martyrs Memorial in Hussainiwala, when the PM’s convoy reached a flyover, it was found that the road was blocked by some protesters. The PM was stuck on a flyover for 15-20 minutes. This was a major lapse in the security of PM.”

“The Punjab government was informed in advance about the PM’s schedule and travel plan. They will have to make necessary arrangements for logistics, security as well as keeping contingency plans ready as per the procedure. Also in view of the contingency plan, the Punjab government would have to deploy additional security to secure any movement by road, which were clearly not deployed. After this security lapse, it was decided to return to Bathinda airport.

“The Ministry of Home Affairs taking cognizance of this serious security lapse has sought a detailed report from the state government. State Government has also been asked to fix responsibility for this lapse and take strict action.”

Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and like us on Facebook for the latest updates and interesting stories.