Operation Bluestar chief’s security likely to be upgraded by Centre

Caught off-guard by the assassination attempt on Lt Gen (retd) KS Brar in London, the Union home ministry is considering upgrading his security.

Caught off-guard by the assassination attempt on Lt Gen (retd) KS Brar in London, the Union home ministry is considering upgrading his security. Home ministry officials said they were not aware of Brar’s visit to London; else security arrangements would have been made. Brar had reportedly informed army authorities in Mumbai about his London visit. The information, however, did not reach the home ministry.

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Brushing aside the security concerns, the retired officer wife, Meena, who returned with him from London on Wednesday said: “That [threat] is always there and will be there. That doesn’t really matter.”

Brar, who arrived in Mumbai with a bandage on his neck, blamed the Punjab government for bringing back militancy by showing leniency towards those who have been convicted. “I don’t know how you can show leniency in such matters,” he said, adding that the Akali government is even erecting memorials of Khalistan commandoes.

Asked if the attack on him was a sign of Khalistan militants regrouping, Brar said: “It is difficult to give an assessment, but there are many pro-Khalistan groups active in London, Canada and even in India.”

Brar, 78, who was attacked and stabbed by four men, believed to be Khalistan sympathisers, on Sunday night in London, fought back, kicking his assailants despite his age. “I’m resting now as there are wounds and a few stitches that have to be removed in due course,” Brar said. “It was a pure assassination attempt on me. Even on Internet there are so many threats being sent to me to say that there have been many attempts on your life but they haven’t succeeded, but the next one will succeed. They’ve been after me.”