Hello defence lovers! On a cold Wednesday afternoon, December 13, as the nation solemnly commemorated the 22nd anniversary of the Parliament attack, an unsettling incident unfolded at one of the country’s most heavily fortified locations—the new Parliament building in the national capital.
In a security breach, two individuals, armed with visitor passes, managed to infiltrate the Parliament premises, introducing an element of chaos. Carrying tear gas canisters, the intruders exploited their access during the Question Hour in Lok Sabha. Seated in the visitors’ gallery, they abruptly leapt into the chamber, skillfully manoeuvring across desks to evade capture. The act unfolded as one intruder attempted to reach the Speaker’s chair, while the other took out a gas canister from his shoes and opened it, leaving the chamber filled with yellow smoke.
The security breach on a very specific day raises many questions about the multi-layered security that protects the temple of democracy.
Who Guards The Parliament?
Safeguarding Parliament involves a complex and highly responsible security framework, requiring the collaboration of multiple agencies to ensure the safety of Members of Parliament (MPs) within the legislative institution.
The Parliament Security Service assumes a central role as the primary coordinating agency, overseeing the overall safety of MPs in and around the Parliament premises. Charged with access control to the Parliament House Complex, this specialized service employs cutting-edge security gadgets and maintains robust communication with various other security entities.
The collective responsibility for MPs’ safety involves the concerted efforts of several security agencies, each contributing to the comprehensive security apparatus. Noteworthy organizations such as the Delhi Police, Parliament Duty Group of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Intelligence Bureau (IB), Special Protection Group (SPG), and National Security Guard (NSG) play pivotal roles in safeguarding Parliamentarians. These agencies, equipped with modern weaponry, are supported by sharpshooters and SWAT commandos from the Delhi Police, collectively ensuring a formidable security presence within the Parliament House Complex and its periphery.
The Parliament Security Service not only manages access control but also leverages advanced security technologies to fortify the security infrastructure. Effective liaison with other security agencies enhances the overall security posture, creating a seamless and collaborative approach to address potential threats.
The security landscape at Parliament is a dynamic and multifaceted effort, where the Parliament Security Service and various other agencies synergize their capabilities to guarantee the safety and integrity of the legislative process and its members.
How Are Visitors Checked?
Presently, only individuals possessing valid identity cards, such as Members of Parliament (MPs), officials, certified journalists, technicians, and designated staff, are granted access to Parliament. The responsibility for authorizing entry rests with parliamentarians, who must provide security clearance for visitors to Parliament. These strict measures aim to prevent unauthorized access.
A perimeter protection system has been implemented around Parliament House to enhance security. Notably, while MPs are exempt from frisking, all other visitors and staff undergo thorough frisking. A meticulous three-level security check is conducted for visitors, encompassing the entry gate of the Parliament premises, the entry gate of the Parliament building, and a third check at the corridor leading to various visitor galleries.
Visitors are required to utilize a separate entrance, and parking is restricted outside the Parliament House complex. Furthermore, the security personnel at Parliament are trained to recognize all staff members, including gardeners and sweepers, through their identity cards. Each staff member undergoes periodic security checks administered by the Home Ministry to ensure continued clearance and uphold the robust security protocols in place.
Conclusion
In light of the open threat from Khalistani terrorist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun and intelligence inputs warning of potential attacks by anti-nationals on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament incident, the recent security breach at Parliament is a cause for serious concern. While the breach resulted in the deployment of coloured smoke, the potential consequences could have been far more severe if a more dangerous weapon had been used, such as a grenade.
This incident underscores the imperative for immediate and enhanced security measures to fortify the resilience of our parliamentary institutions. The current security protocols, while robust, need to be reevaluated and strengthened in response to evolving threats. The threat landscape has evolved, and it is crucial to adapt security strategies accordingly.
Tighter security measures, including more rigorous background checks, advanced surveillance technologies, and proactive intelligence sharing, are essential to prevent and mitigate potential security breaches. The safety and sanctity of our parliamentary spaces demand an unwavering commitment to fortifying defences against any threats that may compromise the integrity of our democratic institutions.
