PM's Rally In Punjab Called Off As Protestors Blocked Road For 20 Minutes

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's (PM) Punjab rally was called off on Monday after a security breach due to protest.

The Union Home Ministry in an official statement said that there was a security breach during Prime Minister's visit to Punjab.

The Prime Minister landed in Bathinda this morning and was supposed to travel to National Martyrs Memorial at Hussainiwala by helicopter after incessant rain and poor visibility.

"PM waited for about 20 minutes for the weather to clear out. He proceeded to travel by road after necessary confirmation of necessary security arrangements by the DGP Punjab Police," the MHA statement read.

After this, around 30 km from the memorial, when the PM's convoy reached a flyover, the road was found blocked by protestors.

''The PM was stuck on a flyover for nearly 20 minutes after the road was blocked by some protesters,'' the statement read.

The statement further said that the Prime Minister's schedule and travel plan was communicated well in advance to the Punjab Government. As per procedure, they have to make necessary arrangements for logistics, security as well as keep a contingency plan ready. Also in view of the contingency plan, the Punjab Government has to deploy additional security to secure any movement by road, which was clearly not deployed.

''After this security lapse, it was decided to head back to Bathinda Airport,'' it said.

However, in this regard, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) taking cognizance of this serious security lapse has sought a detailed report from the state government.

The State Government has also been asked to fix responsibility for this lapse and take strict action.