Govt. of India provides Z security cover to Dalai Lama amid threat concerns: Reports

Tenzin Nyidon 

DHARAMSHALA, Feb. 14: The Government of India has upgraded the security cover for Tibetan spiritual leader His Holiness the Dalai Lama to the Z category in light of heightened threat concerns, according to reports. This decision follows intelligence inputs indicating potential risks to his safety.

Under the Z security arrangement, the Dalai Lama will receive enhanced protection from a specialised unit of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), including 33 security personnel and armed static guards stationed at his residence in Dharamshala, the exile seat of the Tibetan government in exile. 

In India, security details are provided to some high-risk individuals by the police and local government. Depending on the threat perception to the person, the category is divided into six tiers, SPG, Z+, Z, Y+, Y, and X. The octogenarian is accorded Z security, one of the highest levels of protection provided by the Indian government. 

In recent years, security for the Dalai Lama has been periodically reviewed and reinforced in response to potential threats. For instance, following the 2013 Bodh Gaya blasts, security measures were intensified at his official palace and the nearby Tsuglagkhang temple in Dharamshala, with additional forces deployed and advisories issued to his security personnel.

Currently, the 89-year-old leader is protected by Himachal Pradesh Police, which continues to provide security during his travels outside the state. In 2020, state police officials requested the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to enhance his security cover, seeking additional funds and manpower to heighten security at his residence.

In Dharamshala, where the Dalai Lama has resided for over six decades, a comprehensive security arrangement is in place. His inner security cordon consists of highly trained Tibetan guards recruited from the Special Frontier Force-22 (SFF) of the Indian Army. Additionally, personnel from the Central Tibetan Administration’s Department of Security serve as his personal security detail. At the same time, approximately 100 Himachal Pradesh Police officers are stationed around his residence to ensure his safety.

[ad_1]

_{Images are for reference only.Images and contents gathered automatic from google or 3rd party sources.All rights on the images and contents are with their legal original owners.}

[ad_2]