Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama to get Z-category security across India: Reports

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has granted Z-category security cover to Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, citing threat perception, officials said on Thursday.

The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has been assigned to take over his security, ensuring round-the-clock protection at his residence in Dharamshala, the headquarters of the Tibetan government-in-exile, as well as during his travels across India.

A CRPF-led security audit is currently underway to facilitate the transition, which is expected to be completed soon, an official familiar with the matter said. Until now, the Dalai Lama's security has been handled by the Himachal Pradesh police, who will continue to provide protection during his visits outside the state.

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The decision comes amid longstanding security concerns. In 2020, Himachal Pradesh authorities heightened security measures for the Tibetan leader following the arrest of a Chinese spy, Charlie Peng, who was accused of bribing individuals to gather intelligence on the Dalai Lama and his aides.

Additionally, the MHA has extended Z-category security to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Sambit Patra for his visits to Manipur, a state that has experienced ongoing ethnic clashes since 2023.

The violence resulted in over 260 deaths and displaced around 60,000 people. Patra, the BJP’s in-charge for the northeastern state, also serves as the Member of Parliament from Puri, Odisha.

Z-category security typically consists of 35 to 40 personnel, including armed commandos, who operate in three shifts to provide continuous protection.