The Centre has granted ‘Z+’ category security provided by CRPF to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, following the arrest of Khalistani leader Amritpal Singh. This top-level security cover will be provided to Mann across India, according to the Home Ministry.
Mann, who is an AAP leader, will be protected by the VIP protection squad of CRPF. The security personnel will be deployed outside the Chief Minister’s residence and will also ensure the safety of his immediate family members.
The decision to enhance Mann’s security cover was based on a “threat perception analysis” report prepared by central intelligence and security agencies due to the rising activities of Khalistani groups in the border state of Punjab. The Home Ministry accords security coverage to individuals who face threats due to their work or popularity. The various categories of security covers include X, Y, Y-plus, Z, Z+, and SPG (Special Protection Group), with the SPG cover being exclusively for the Prime Minister and their immediate family.
The ‘Z+’ category security cover entails a force of 55 personnel, including NSG commandos and police personnel.
In a similar vein, the security cover of billionaire industrialist Mukesh Ambani was upgraded to ‘Z+’ last year after a review of perceived threats to him by central intelligence and security agencies.
The coordinated efforts between the Mann government and central agencies led to the arrest of Amritpal Singh, the chief of Waris Punjab De, a pro-Khalistan outfit associated with actor-turned-activist Deep Sidhu. Singh was apprehended on April 23 after evading capture for over a month and is currently held in Dibrugarh jail in Assam.
The crackdown on Khalistani supporters came after Mann held a meeting with Home Minister Amit Shah on March 2, showcasing an unusual working relationship between the AAP and the BJP-led Centre, despite their ongoing disagreements in Delhi on various issues.