The Odisha government has expressed serious concern over the leakage of sensitive details regarding VVIP movements on social media platforms and has directed authorities to curb such practices to safeguard against potential security breaches. In a letter addressed to the Director General of Police, director of intelligence, district collectors, and superintendents of police, the state home department on Thursday instructed strict compliance with the established guidelines of the Ministry of Home Affairs to prevent the disclosure of VVIP movements.
Government's Directive
The letter emphasized the need for strict due diligence in handling and sharing sensitive information, including minute-to-minute programmes of VVIPs, details of their security arrangements, and other operational matters, to prevent unauthorized transmission. Sources indicated that the directive follows a recent MHA circular to all states highlighting zero-error security measures for dignitaries such as the President and Prime Minister.
The government observed that instances of unauthorized leaks, often through social media, have allowed sensitive details like schedules and security arrangements of top protected dignitaries to reach unauthorized persons and even the media. It warned that such breaches carry serious repercussions and suggested several measures to maintain utmost secrecy of VVIP visit programmes.
Need-to-Know Basis and Secure Communication
The government stressed that information related to VVIP visits must be shared only with authorized stakeholders on a need-to-know basis, while secure communication networks should be built for coordination and command. A government official stated that private messaging services pose a higher risk of leakage, and officers have been directed not to share sensitive information through social media platforms.
Standard Operating Procedures
Police have been advised to adopt well-defined Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for handling and transmitting information, with strict adherence by all personnel. Senior officers have been asked to sensitize staff regularly, reiterating protocols before each visit to inculcate security awareness. Although Odisha has not witnessed any recent breaches, police officers said they remain extremely vigilant.
A senior police officer commented, "We always follow protocols and never compromise on the security of VVIPs. We conduct regular training, rehearsals, and sensitisation programmes for personnel who are often assigned on security of VVIPs. The latest order of the government will also be implemented on priority."
