'Should not reduce PM's security amid austerity measures': Ex-R&AW Secy Samant Goel
New Delhi, May 15
Former R&AW Secretary Samant Goel on Friday suggested that the Prime Minister's convoy and the security arrangements should not be reduced in the name of austerity measures, as PM Modi's safety is a priority in national interest.
Speaking to ANI, Samant Goel opposed the move to reduce the PM's convoy amid a need to save fuel due to the global energy crisis. He said that the Prime Minister's security should rather be strengthened, given the new security threats.
Noting the volatility of the global security situation, Goel said, "The international security situation is volatile. There were attacks on President Donald Trump, despite the US being considered to be safe. There are elements against India, carrying out terror activities, especially from our neighbouring state. In such a situation, I believe, we should keep special arrangements for the Prime Minister's security. Such austerity measures are not in the national interest. Amid new threats of drones and sniper guns, we should rather strengthen the security, instead of reducing it."
He highlighted that PM Modi has received security threats since he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat.
"Security is not a status symbol, but given as per the threat assessment. Some leaders use it as a status symbol. Anonymity should be maintained about the PM's car. If there are only two cars in the convoy, it is easier for the enemy to attack. He has received threats since he was the Gujarat CM. The international gangs and jihadi elements want to target PM Modi. PM's security is the first priority, and there should be no compromise," a former R&AW Secretary stated.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had appealed to the citizens to conserve fuel amid the West Asia crisis. PM Modi, along with several Union ministers, has downsized their convoys. While significantly reducing the size of the Prime Minister's official convoy, it was ensured that all essential security components mandated under the Special Protection Group (SPG) protocol remained intact.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I understand the security concerns, isn't it also important for our leaders to set an example of austerity? The PM himself reduced his convoy voluntarily. Maybe we can find a middle ground - maintain essential security but cut unnecessary fluff.
Remember what happened with Rajiv Gandhi ji? Security is not something to play with. The former R&AW chief knows what he's talking about. Drones and sniper threats are real - we should be strengthening security, not reducing it. Common sense, yaar.
Interesting perspective from a former intelligence chief. But I'm curious - how do other countries balance security with austerity? The US Secret Service operates on a huge budget but they've had incidents too. Maybe India needs smarter security, not just more cars.
Some people in the comments are forgetting that the PM has faced threats since his Gujarat days. The international terror network wants him dead. We can save fuel in other ways - maybe reduce unnecessary VIP movements, not the PM's security detail. Common sense should prevail.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.