Parliament security breach: Security measures intensified at Parliament; shoes being checked at entrance
New Delhi, December 14: Following a significant breach in the Parliament security, notable changes were witnessed in its security protocols on Thursday, including stringent measures that mandate the removal of shoes for those entering the premises. Security personnel stationed at the outer gates now insist on shoe removal, despite conducting thorough frisking of incoming visitors within the campus.
Earlier, the focus of security personnel did not generally involve the removal of shoes upon entering the Parliament premises. The new security arrangement mirrors airport procedures, requiring shoes—especially long or leather boots—to be opened during security checks.
This decision comes in response to the arrest of Manoranjan D and Sagar Sharma, who breached the Parliament security, jumped from the visitors' gallery in the Lok Sabha, and discharged concealed smoke canisters from their shoes.
The enhanced security measures apply uniformly to Parliament staff and accredited media personnel entering based on individual passes. Additionally, a restriction has been imposed on media, requiring them to stand approximately 50-60 metre away from 'Makar Dwar' entry gate, primarily used by legislators.
Four persons were apprehended under the anti-terror Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in connection with Wednesday's security breach at Parliament. Manoranjan D and Sagar Sharma breached the Lok Sabha security while Neelam Azad and Amol Shinde were detained outside Parliament premises after similarly releasing smoke canisters.
In response to the breach, the Lok Sabha Secretary General wrote to the Ministry of Home Affairs, leading to a halt on issuing passes for the visitors' gallery until further notice.
Following a request from the Lok Sabha Secretariat, the Ministry of Home Affairs initiated an inquiry into the security breach, forming a committee led by Central Reserve Police Force Director General Anish Dayal Singh, comprising members from various security agencies and experts. This committee aims to investigate the reasons behind the breach, identify lapses, and propose corrective actions, with a focus on enhancing Parliament security.
Moreover, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla engaged with political party leaders regarding the security breach, acknowledging concerns raised by the Opposition and assuring a comprehensive review of security measures.
The breach, occurring on the anniversary of the Parliament terror attack, witnessed the intrusion of two persons into the Lower House chamber. They released colored gas and chanted slogans, causing chaos during Zero Hour discussions. The House was adjourned until 2 pm on Wednesday as legislators restrained the intruders.
Concurrently, two others, including a woman, dispersed coloured gas and chanted slogans outside the Parliament premises. These incidents prompted a reevaluation of security measures at one of India's most critical institutions.
- ANI
