Shillong:
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, on March 27, informed that there are 103 VIPs in Meghalaya in different categories who are entitled to security arrangement.
Replying to the query raised by Nongkrem MLA Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit on the sixth day of the budget session, Sangma told the House that as per the Ministry of Home Affairs, there are five categories for security entitlement as per the ‘Yellow Book’ titled ‘Security arrangement for the protection of individuals’.
These include – 2 in Z+; 10 in Z; 0 in Y+; 19 in Y and 72 in X categories.
The chief minister said that due to security issues, the government cannot provide much details on the identity of the protected individuals. “The security entitlement of protected persons is as per the classified secret documents for security arrangement for the protection of individuals or the Yellow Book. That is why, we are restricted from giving too many details on the yellow book,” he said.
Raising a supplementary question on the use of tinted glass by vehicles often used by relatives of those in the helms of affairs, Basaiawmoit said there are many people, mostly relatives of the “VIPs” who take advantage of the situation and travel in tinted glass and sound sirens for personal business. “Too many people are taking advantage of this security coverage and it has become an eyesore to the public,” the VPP legislator said.
“We are adhering to all the rules. Even I don’t use tinted glasses on my personal vehicle. We are ensuring to practise what we preach; but as and when complaints come to us, immediate actions are taken,” the chief minister replied.