CISF gets bulletproof SUV, two more to join fleet soon

New Delhi: The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has procured one bulletproof SUV while two more will join the fleet of Special Security Group (SSG) in the next 10 days. The paramilitary force said that six more SUVs will be launched within two months. The security force had earlier demanded bulletproof vehicles from the ministry of civil aviation and the Bureau of Civil Aviation for the CISF personnel to be deployed as part of the Quick Response Team (QRT) at major airports.

“These vehicles will tighten the security of VVIPs at the Delhi airport. The trial of six SUVs is on and it is expected that the cars will be launched within two months. The vehicles will go through several processes before joining our security group. We are likely to get these vehicles within two months,” said a senior CISF official on the condition of anonymity.

At present, CISF has 79 protectees under the SSG/ CISF security cover. Amo-ng them, 9 persons get “Z Plus” category security; 9 persons get “Z” category security; 42 get “Y” category security; and 19 get “X” category security.

Earlier, the SSG was raised in the CISF on November 23, 2006, for providing personal security to the VIPs as ordered by the MHA from time to time. Till last year, SSG was providing security cover to 43 protectees of different categories.

“We don’t want to lose crucial moments that may prove vital in saving the lives of those under attack. In such cases, these bulletproof vehicles can be used during emergency and may be converted into temporary ambulances,” said the source.

Some of the Z plus category protectees under CISF cover include former Manipur CM Ibobi Singh, former Punjab deputy CM Sukhbir Badal and national security advisor A.K. Doval.