Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma security upgraded to Z+

GUWAHATI: A month after the security breach at Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma’s meeting in Hyderabad, the Union home ministry on Friday upgraded his security to Z-plus by CRPF during his trips within the country.
In 2017, Sarma was first given Z-category security which was limited to only the northeastern region.
The home ministry in its order said the security was upgraded for Sarma after a review by the ministry in consultation with the central security agency.
Earlier, Z-plus security was provided by NSG commandos but the Centre subsequently decided to reduce the burden of VIP security on the elite force, whose primary objective is counter-terrorism operations and entrusted the job to the central armed police forces such as CRPF and CISF. Sarma’s predecessor and current Union shipping minister Sarbananda Sonowal also enjoys Z-plus security cover but by the NSG.