In the aftermath of terrorist attack on Parliament in 2001 and the lessons learnt from it, the Home Ministry and the CRPF Headquarter had come to the conclusion that there was the need of creating special force for protecting the Parliament Complex. Consequently, a workable proposal was made and scrutinized by the competent authority. The force to be called Parliamentary Duty Group (PDG) would comprise a commando force of 1,540 personnel specially trained in anti-terror commando and tactics but also combat tactics in nuclear and chemical weapons emergencies. The PDG would maintain security of the entire complex, periphery and approach routes. It comprises the main Parliament House, reception office building, Sansadhya Gyanpeeth (Parliament Library), and Parliament House Annexe.
The curious thing is that it is more than a year that the proposal was mooted and yet the force has not come into existence on the ground. This is despite the fact that the CRPF has even initiated imparting specialized training to the prospective personnel of PDG whose age and other criterion are to be strictly according to the set norms. At present CRPF and Delhi Police Personnel are guarding the Parliament. It is reported that owing to financial implications and other technical matters Home and Finance Ministries are not yet decided on making the proposal operative. The PDG will be a highly specialized force and even its arms and equipment, vehicles and communication system will be of ultra modern utility and delivery.
Parliament is the temple of our freedom and the rule of law. The terrorist attack of 2001 has exposed the chinks in the security arrangement of the Parliament. Nine valiant security men laid down their precious lives while securing the parliamentarians against the attack of the terrorists. This attack was not planned by ordinary terrorists or their mentors. Highest planning and commando training had gone into the conduct of the attack. Therefore it is of immense importance that we take all possible deterrent steps to thwart any attempt on the parliamentarians and the Parliament House in future. The Home and Finance Ministries must join heads and push the matter in right earnest. Funds shall have to be raised even if some curtailment is to happen in less important expenditures. Security and integrity of the country cannot be compromised. And we should not forget that the enemy who planned the attack of 2001 is still as active and dedicated to doing us harm as it has been all these years. We cannot take any chance nor remain complacent.
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