3300 CISF Takes Over Indian Parliament Security from CRPF After December 2023 Breach

CISF assumes full responsibility for Parliament security, replacing CRPF personnel following a security breach in December 2023. Transition involves over 3,300 CISF personnel tasked with counter-terrorism and anti-sabotage operations in the Parliament complex.

Starting Monday, over 3,300 Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel will assume full responsibility for counter-terrorism and anti-sabotage security at the Indian Parliament complex. This follows the withdrawal of more than 1,400 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) staff, as per official sources.

On Friday, the CRPF's Parliament Duty Group (PDG) concluded its operations at the Parliament complex. A Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the CRPF handed over security control points to the incoming CISF team. The transition involves 3,317 CISF personnel tasked with securing both the old and new Parliament buildings, along with associated structures in central Delhi.

This change was prompted by a significant security breach on December 13, 2023. During Zero Hour, two individuals jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery, releasing yellow smoke from canisters and shouting slogans. Simultaneously, two others outside the Parliament premises sprayed colored smoke while shouting slogans. The breach coincided with the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack.

In response to this incident, a committee led by the CRPF Director General was formed to review Parliament's security. Following its recommendations, the CISF will take over security duties at 6 am on May 20. The CISF deployment includes guarding all entry points, canine squads, firefighting personnel, CCTV monitoring, and anti-sabotage operations.

With this transition, the CRPF PDG, Delhi Police (approximately 150 personnel), and the Parliament Security Staff (PSS) will be withdrawn from their previous roles. The PDG is expected to merge with the CRPF’s VIP security wing. Some PSS staff may be reassigned to other central government installations or continue in limited roles within Parliament for specific duties.

The CISF deployment is currently temporary, under an 'internal security duty pattern', with expectations of permanent sanctioning once a new government takes office following ongoing general elections. CISF personnel have undergone refresher training in various security procedures, including bomb detection, quick reaction counter-terrorism, and public interaction. They have also trained with National Security Guard (NSG) commandos, simulating a terrorist attack on the new Parliament complex.

CRPF personnel, who served at the Parliament, expressed mixed feelings about the transition. Despite their commitment and historical bravery, particularly during the 2001 attack, they felt saddened by the change. During the 2001 attack, CRPF personnel demonstrated exceptional bravery, with one personnel sacrificing her life in the line of duty.

The CISF's new responsibilities mark a significant shift in the security framework of India's highest democratic institution, aimed at preventing any future breaches and ensuring robust protection.