The government’s decision to offer Z category security cover to industrialist Mukesh Ambani is completely justified. While there has been a fair bit of criticism in the media over the decision, the government has chosen to defend its stand stating that the threat perception is very real.
Congress spokesperson Manish Tewari was also quoted as saying that “security is given only after threat perception assessment.”
Reliance Industries Ltd. chairman Mukesh Ambani had reportedly received death threats from Indian Mujahidin. This is the same terror group that had carried out a number devastating terror attacks across the country including the recent Bengaluru and Hyderabad blasts. Sources reveal that the letter proclaiming the death threat was hand delivered at Mr. Ambani’s south Mumbai residence.
Government sources claim that the decision to provide the high profile security cover, that’s only given to a select few, has been taken only after considerable due diligence and threat analysis by law enforcement agencies including inputs from the Intelligence Bureau which has strongly recommended round-the-clock security cover for Mr. Ambani.
As part of the enhanced security arrangement, the industrialist will now have armed commandos with escort vehicles accompanying him all the time.
If some media reports are to be believed, sources in the Mumbai Police have revealed that Mr. Ambani would be paying for the security cover. The industrialist’s existing security entourage is ill equipped to handle the current threat level both in terms of resource deployment as well as weaponry.
This makes the furore and criticism in some sections of the media over the security cover pretty much uncalled for.
Every law abiding citizen has the right to security cover should there be a direct threat to his or her life. And given the serious nature of the threat, Mr. Ambani does deserve the appropriate level of security.
And to all those who argue that why should Mr. Ambani be given a special cover; why not look at it from the point of view of politicians who are guarded round the clock for little or no contribution towards the country’s progress. If a politician can get security cover for life, then why not for Mr. Ambani who contributes to nearly 3% of country’s GDP.
The home ministry has stated that Mr. Ambani is a “national asset.” With more than 15 lakh people indirectly depending on him for their livelihood, the statement pretty much stands vindicated.