North News
New Delhi, August 28
In a significant security enhancement, the protection protocol for RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat has been elevated from Z-plus to an Advance Security Liaison (ASL) drill, aligning it with the security measures provided to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. This decision was finalized following a review of Bhagwat’s security, which reportedly revealed “slack” arrangements during his visits to states governed by non-BJP parties, The Times of India reported, citing Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sources.
Previously, Bhagwat’s Z-plus security detail included officers and guards on deputation from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Quoting the sources in Delhi, the news outlet reported Bhagwat has been identified as a target by several organizations, including radical Islamist groups. The MHA decided to upgrade his security to ASL status after receiving intelligence inputs from various agencies indicating a heightened threat perception.
Following this upgrade, all states and Union Territories have been officially informed. The ASL protocol requires the involvement of local agencies such as the district administration, police, health, and other departments concerned with the protectee’s security and safety. This comprehensive security includes anti-sabotage checks with multi-layered security rings. Additionally, chopper travel for Bhagwat will now be permitted only in specially designed helicopters, adhering to the stipulated protocol, according to The Times of India.
