Assam CM Himanta Sarma's security upgraded from 'Z' to 'Z+' category

Guwahati, Oct 14: Centre has upgraded the security of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma from the 'Z' category cover in the North-Eastern region to the 'Z+' category on an India basis, sources said. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), which is currently providing Sarma 'Z' category security, will now facilitate him with 'Z+' category security.

Sources said that the move comes after the security arrangement for Sarma was reviewed in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in consultation with the Central Security Agency and it has been decided to upgrade his present 'Z' category CRPF security cover in North-Eastern region to 'Z+' category CRPF security cover on all India basis.

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The MHA has requested the CRPF to provide 'Z+' category security cover to Sarma on all India basis, said the sources. As per the 'Z+' category security protocol, over 50 commandos would accompany the Assam CM whenever he travels anywhere within the country.

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Sarma was accorded a 'Z' category security cover of CRPF in 2017. Under earlier security arrangements, the 'Z' category security was being provided to Sarma within the state.