File Photo :HT
Navjot Sidhu gets Z plus security, Punjab asks centre to provide CISF cover
Chandigarh, January 9,2019: After upgrading his security to Z plus, the state government of Punjab has asked the central government to provide Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) cover to cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu owing to threat perception to Sidhu.
The state government has asked to preferably provide Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) cover to Sidhu in wake of threats issued to him by ultra nationalists right wing groups.
Nirmaljeet Singh Kalsi, Additional Chief Secretary has shot off a letter to Rajiv Gauba, Union Home Secretary. In the letter it has been stated that Sidhu has developed a very acrimonious relationship with the SAD(B) over his criticism of their alleged anti-people policies and for their alleged support to mafia and criminal elements.
Sidhu has also earned the wrath of drug mafia, mining mafia and various types of gangsters/criminals especially in Majha region due to his high-pitched campaign against them.
Bullet Proof Land Cruiser SUV
Punjab government has raised the number of security personnel from 12 to 24 and has provided commandos for Sidhu's safety. Even the security of minister's residence has also been intensified. A bullet proof Land cruiser has been provided to Navjot Sidhu .
Sidhu was recently challenged by Hindu Yuva Vahini (HYV), a right wing group based in Uttar Pradesh, which has announced a bounty of Rs 1 crore to anyone who beheads Sidhu for allegedly abusing UP Chief Minister."Tarun Singh, President of Agra unit of HYV said that he would chop Sidhu into pieces if the latter visits Agra. Tarun Singh has said that the Punjab minister had been heaping praises on the neighbouring country(Pakistan) and giving statements against his own country which is unpardonable.Thus, Sidhu faces serious threat from right wing groups over his alleged connections with Pakistan", the letter states.
According to the eight point letter, Sidhu is presently a Z plus category protectee in Punjab state. "The threat perception is only likely to escalate further in view of his strident and continuous criticism of policies of the opposition parties as well as that of activities of right wing groups," the letter mentions.
Kalsi in the letter has stated that in view of such inputs and developments, it is strongly recommended that Sidhu be provided CAPF security cover, preferably by the CISF to avoid any untoward incident.