The Union Home Ministry has increased the security for Bhim Army Chief and Lok Sabha MP Chandrashekhar Azad. In preparation for the upcoming Haryana and Jammu-Kashmir Assembly elections, the central government made this decision. Previously, Bijnor MP Chandrashekhar Azad had only 'Y+' category security in Uttar Pradesh, but now this security cover will extend to both Haryana and Jammu-Kashmir as well.
Chandrashekhar Azad's Azad Samaj Party and Dushyant Chautala's Jannayak Janata Party (JJP) have formed an alliance for the Haryana elections. Under the leadership of Chandrashekhar Azad's SP and Dushyant Chautala's JJP, they aim to solidify their grip on Dalit and Jat votes. The core purpose of this alliance is to introduce a new dynamic into Haryana's political scenario and win the favor of Dalit and Jat voters. Reportedly, Chandrashekhar also plans to expand the party’s reach in Jammu-Kashmir, which is another reason for the increased security in the two states.
How Security Measures are Decided
Security categories and personnel are determined by the Intelligence Bureau based on security threats. India has four types of security categories: X, Y, Z, and Z Plus, with Z Plus being the highest. Millions of rupees are spent annually on the security of India's VVIPs, VIPs, politicians, high-profile personalities, and prominent sports figures. This security is provided by local police, National Security Guards (NSG), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). NSG is primarily used for the protection of VVIPs and VIPs.
1. X Level Security
X level security includes only 2 security personnel (excluding commandos). This is the basic level of protection and also includes a Personal Security Officer (PSO).
2. Y Level Security
Y level security covers VIPs provided with 11 security personnel, including 1 or 2 commandos and 2 PSOs.
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3. Z Category Security
Z category security includes 22 security personnel, including 4 or 5 NSG commandos. Additional security is provided by Delhi Police or CRPF. The security detail includes an escort car. Commandos are equipped with sub-machine guns and modern communication devices and are trained in martial arts for unarmed combat.
4. Z+ Level Security
Z+ category security comprises 36 security personnel, including 10 NSG commandos, also known as the SPG category. These commandos are armed with state-of-the-art weapons and latest gadgets. The first layer of security is managed by NSG, followed by SPG officers, with ITBP and CRPF personnel providing additional security.
SPG for Prime Ministers
Besides the four-layered security for Prime Ministers, the Special Protection Group (SPG) provides exclusive security to current and former Prime Ministers and their immediate family members. The SPG was established post the assassination of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi for securing the top leader and their family.
