New Delhi: The Ministery of Home Affairs has released a statement on the security breach during PM Narendra Modi's visit to Punjab on Wednesday.   

According to the Home Ministry, PM Modi landed at Bathinda today morning from where he was to go to the National Martyrs Memorial at Hussainiwala by helicopter. Due to rain and poor visibility, the Prime Minister waited for about 20 minutes for the weather to clear out.

Due to bad weather, it was decided that he would visit the National Martyrs Memorial via road which would take more than two hours. He proceeded to travel by road after confirmation of necessary security arrangements by the DGP Punjab Police.

Around 30 kms away from the National Martyrs Memorial in Hussainiwala, when the Prime Minister’s convoy reached a flyover, it was found that the road was blocked by some protestors.

"The Prime Minister was stuck on a flyover for 15-20 minutes. This was a major lapse in the security of the Prime Minister," stated the Home Ministry.

The Home Ministry held the Punjb Police accountable for failing to implement contingency plan during PM Modi's visit.  

The Prime Minister’s schedule and travel plan was communicated well in advance to the Punjab Government. As per procedure, they have to make necessary arrangements for logistics, security as well as keep a contingency plan ready. Also,  given the contingency plan, the Punjab Government has to deploy additional security to secure any movement by road , which were clearly not deployed.

After this security lapse, it was decided to head back to Bathinda Airport.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) took cognisance of serious security lapse and  sought a detailed report from the state government. The State Government has also been asked to fix responsibility for this lapse and take strict action.