Former RAW Secretary Samant Goel on Thursday raised concerns over Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to downsize his security convoy as part of fuel conservation measures taken by the Center amid rising global energy prices linked to the ongoing Middle East crisis.
Emphasizing that the current security environment remains “highly volatile”, Goel said that protection for the Prime Minister should instead be strengthened.
Goel said, “The current international security situation is very volatile. There have been three attacks on US President Trump, despite it being considered the safest country. There are several elements against India. There are terrorist activities occurring, especially by our neighboring country.”
“Therefore, in such a situation, I personally feel that we should make special arrangements for the Prime Minister’s security. According to current threat assessments, drones and sniper rifles have appeared. Therefore, we need to review and enhance his security, instead of reducing it. I feel that this is not right. This is not in the interest of the nation,” he added.
The SPG is the elite security unit responsible for managing the security of the Prime Minister in India and abroad.
“Security is not a status symbol, it is given according to the threat assessment. Some leaders use it as a status symbol. The anonymity of the PM’s car must be maintained. If there are only two cars in the convoy, it is easier for the enemy to attack. He has been receiving threats since he was the chief minister of Gujarat. International gangs and jihadi elements want to target PM Modi. The PM’s security is the first priority, and there should be no compromises,” he said.
Read also | PM Modi asks SPG to reduce the size of the convoy as an austerity move amid conflict in West Asia
Why reduce the size of the convoy?
Prime Minister Modi directed the Special Protection Group (SPG) to reduce the size of its convoy by at least 50 per cent as part of the government’s austerity and fuel-saving measures.
Prime Minister Modi also instructed the Prime Minister’s Office to encourage the use of electric vehicles in its fleet.
An official familiar with the matter confirmed, “The size of the convoy has actually been reduced over the past two days. This was done without compromising security.”
The Prime Minister on Sunday urged citizens to adopt a series of austerity measures, including carpooling, using public transport, working from home, limiting foreign travel and reducing gold purchases, among others.
