This security overhaul was prompted by a major breach on December 13, 2023, the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack. During the incident, two individuals infiltrated the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery, released yellow smoke from canisters, and shouted slogans before being subdued by MPs. Concurrently, outside the Parliament, two others sprayed colored smoke while shouting slogans
Starting Monday, over 3,300 personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) will assume full responsibility for counterterrorism and anti-sabotage security at the Parliament complex. This change follows the withdrawal of more than 1,400 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) staff, marking a significant shift in the security management of India’s foremost democratic institution.
The transition began on Friday, when the Parliament Duty Group (PDG) of the CRPF vacated the complex, removing all vehicles, weapons, and commandos. A Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the CRPF officially handed over security points to the incoming CISF team. The comprehensive handover includes both the old and new Parliament buildings, as well as associated structures in central Delhi.
This security overhaul was prompted by a major breach on December 13, 2023, the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack. During the incident, two individuals infiltrated the Lok Sabha chamber from the public gallery, released yellow smoke from canisters, and shouted slogans before being subdued by MPs. Concurrently, outside the Parliament, two others sprayed colored smoke while shouting slogans. This breach led to the formation of a committee, chaired by the CRPF Director General, to review Parliament’s security and recommend improvements.
From 6 AM on May 20, the CISF’s counterterrorism unit will officially take charge. They will oversee all entry points, deploy canine squads, fire fighting personnel, and staff the CCTV monitoring control room and communication center. Additionally, they will conduct anti-sabotage checks and other security operations throughout the complex.
With the CISF’s deployment, the CRPF PDG, Delhi Police (about 150 personnel), and the Parliament security staff (PSS) will no longer be responsible for securing Parliament. The PDG unit is expected to merge with the VIP security wing of the CRPF, while PSS personnel may be reassigned to other central government installations. Some PSS staff might continue to handle marshal duties in Parliament’s lobbies, but a final decision is pending.
In preparation for their new role, CISF personnel have undergone a 10-day familiarization exercise at the complex. They will wear new uniforms consisting of light blue full-sleeved shirts and brown pants, with safari suits for reception duties. Their training included baggage screening, personal frisking, bomb detection and disposal, quick reaction to terrorist threats, sniper tasks, and public interaction.
The CISF contingent also trained with National Security Guard (NSG) commandos, simulating a terrorist attack scenario. An IAF helicopter air-dropped NSG commandos on the new Parliament complex during this exercise.
A CRPF officer reflected on the transition, noting that PDG troops took photos and selfies as mementos of their service. He recalled the bravery displayed during the 2001 terrorist attack, when CRPF personnel, alongside other agencies, defended the Parliament, with one member sacrificing her life and others receiving gallantry medals. He emphasized that the CRPF was not responsible for the 2023 security breach.
