NEW DELHI, 28 July — Following the brutal broad-day light killing of Samajwadi Party MP, Phoolan Devi here on Wednesday, politicians are demanding more armed guards to protect them round-the-clock.
Home Ministry officials say appeals for increased security cover have started pouring in from some politicians who are known to be on the hit list of terrorists — and even others, refused to name those who have demanded more security cover.
Delhi Police officers admit they would be now under more pressure to guard the scores of VIPs living and visiting the capital. Jagdish Tytler, a former Congress party MP who has been on the “hit list” of Khalistani terrorists, said he planned to take up the matter of his protection with Home Minister L.K. Advani.
“I am not comfortable with the seven security guards given to me by Delhi Police,” he said. “I want members of the Central Reserve Police Force or some other central police organization. I don’t want black commandos or Delhi policemen. With Delhi policemen around, any man on the street can get us.” Uttar Pradesh Minister of State for Tourism Ashok Yadav, who also has policemen guarding him constantly, insisted that it was the government’s duty to guard the politicians.
“If we cannot protect our leaders, then what can we do? If there is a problem in protecting our leaders, then there is certainly a lacuna in our law and order situation.
“Today a politician has been killed in a VIP area. Tomorrow another could be killed. Who would be responsible? All politicians who have got threats should be given security.”
On Wednesday members of the Telugu Desam Party, a government ally, accused the Home Ministry of ignoring requests for additional security from MPs who say they are facing death threats. Home Ministry sources said security was earlier provided to 485 people, mainly politicians. But last year, it was scaled down to 336. The Home Ministry periodically reviews the security arrangements of diplomats, ministers and other VIPs considered vulnerable to attacks.
One officer said: “Security is given on the basis of threat perceptions. But many seem to want security so that they can flaunt their power and status.” But Tytler disagreed.
“I am not one of those politicians who want security guards for publicity. I have never done that.” Former Delhi Police Commissioner Nikhil Kumar admitted that it was time to reexamine the security provided to political leaders.
“There is a need for a review. The Delhi Police knows how many men they can spare for the security arrangements. And if they bring it to the notice of the government, I am sure the gap will be filled.”
Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha (lower house) was adjourned yesterday amid pandemonium after opposition MPs raised a din demanding the resignation of Home Minister L.K. Advani over the murder of Phoolan.
