Date:26/03/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/03/26/stories/2007032617561600.htm

National

Rahul told not to flout security norms

NEW DELHI: Alarmed at Rahul Gandhi freely mingling with public while disregarding security concerns during his roadshow in western Uttar Pradesh, the Centre on Sunday said it would advise the young Congress MP to abide by the rule book for protecting VVIPs.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Sriprakash Jaiswal said he would advise the 37-year-old MP from Amethi, who gave anxious moments to Special Protection Group (SPG) personnel protecting him during his recent campaign, that he should be careful not to flout security norms. ``When a leader is loved and greeted by public, it is very difficult for him to stay away from the public. But Rahul should be careful...I would advise him to abide by the norms set by SPG,'' Mr. Jaiswal told NDTV.

Security agencies have earlier expressed apprehensions that exposure of high-profile leaders to unscreened masses was a major security risk.

— PTI