In the wake of the world becoming more dynamic and intricate, the security of renowned leaders faces imminent challenges. It needed strategic planning, navigating and assessing risk perception, and taking agile methods to act swiftly in volatile situations. In more than a decade of my leadership training and dealing with various security companies, proper implementation of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in line with the company policy and the guidelines and visibility of security personnel ensures a risk-free, safe and secure environment. 

Recent media reports indicate that the Indian government has enhanced Z+ category security cover to the Dalai lama which is a welcome step following the latest threat analysis report of the Indian Intelligence Bureau.

Deities protect the Dalai Lama

The topic of safety and security of His Holiness the Dalai Lama has also figured frequently in the exile Tibetan parliament and the subject matter is often raised and debated within the diasporic community. The Dalai Lama has visited more than 65 countries, the first one to Japan and Thailand in 1967 and then to western hemisphere - Europe and North America - in 1973 and 1979 respectively. In view of the Chinese threat to his divine well-being, some countries have provided top-notch security protection to the Dalai Lama. The Department of Security, Central Tibetan Administration has stated in their website, “Invisible but constant blessings of Tibet’s deities also played a significant role in the security of His Holiness the Dalai Lama”.

Many Tibetans believe that there are celestial deities including fierce and wrathful protectors and guardians of Tibet such as Palden Lhamo (Shri Devi), Mahakala, etc. who protect the Dalai Lama. Mahakala is perceived as the fierce emanation of Avalokitesvara, the patron saint of Tibet. According to Hinduism, Mahakala is considered the ultimate form of Lord Shiva, the destroyer of all elements and whose holy abode Mount Kailash is splendidly located in the Ngari region of Tibet. 

India apart, the small but vibrant Baltic countries provided the Dalai Lama with outstanding security arrangement and protection. Even Poland has provided the Dalai Lama with high-level security with a large and robust police protection usually offered to the Heads of the States. 

The historical records reveal that the Portuguese first entered independent Tibet in the 16th century AD. However, it was the British diplomatic mission led by Colonel Francis Younghusband who established relations with Tibet in 1904 and even signed the “Convention between Great Britain and Tibet “.  Thus, the Dalai Lama as Head of State and the Institution of Dalai Lamas were officially recognized by Great Britain. However, the present British government. either through sheer ignorance or in deference to China, seems to have taken the security of His Holiness lightly. One hardly noticed any law enforcement personnel safeguarding the Dalai Lama during his last visit. But his lifelong practice and teachings of Buddhist precepts such as the cultivation of loving kindness, forgiveness, contentment, compassion for every sentient being, including the Chinese Communist Party leadership, became even more empowering, and brook no ill-will towards anyone. 

Multi-layer security cordon

So, it’s safe to say that two largest and oldest democracies of the world - India and USA - top the list of countries which extend top security to the Dalai Lama. India has given the 'most protected' VVIP status or Z+ security category to His Holiness the Dalai Lama, the highest level of security blanket includes (but are not limited to) the President of India, Vice President, Prime Minister, Chiefs of Armed Forces, Governors of States and others. 

Z+ security involves personnel from India's Central Reserve Police Force and commandos and the state police unit. These officers are armed with MP5 sub-machine guns. However, the personal bodyguards of the Dalai Lama are equipped with the latest tactical weapons, state-of-art modern communication equipment, and are highly trained in unarmed combat skills. 

Another layer of security at his abode in Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh is also backed by the Special Frontier Force, nicknamed “Phantoms of Chittagong”.  This force comprises Tibetan refugees well trained in guerrilla warfare, airborne and commando operations. The security apparatus of every state where the Dalai Lama visits varies - the state of Karnataka recently provided more than 300 police personnel during his six-week stay at Bylakuppe Tibetan settlements.

The most elaborate and multi-layer security cordon for the Dalai Lama was given when he visited the northeastern border state of Arunachal Pradesh - which is disputed by China - in 2017. His high-profile visit was considered a major risk having global and diplomatic implications due to unresolved and tense border flare-ups between the two neighboring Asian giants. In his last visit to Arunachal Pradesh, the Dalai Lama was given six layers of security protection, more than the Prime Minister of India. Sikkim also provided last year an outstanding and elaborate security to the Dalai Lama during the visits. 

The Dalai Lama is also given highly honored privileges of no-frisking at all airports across India. People of Tibet and millions of Buddhists across the world owe an incredible debt of gratitude to the government and people of India. 

The Dalai Lama’s multiple visits to the USA were the most extraordinary. The State Department extends and assigns its much-acclaimed diplomatic security services (DSS) to protect and ensure the Dalai Lama’s safety from the moment he touches down at the airport. Anyone can spot multiple secret service agents wearing conservative suits, reflective sunglasses and communication earpieces. Most of them are of the same height over six feet with customized attire concealing the wide array of protective weapons while on duty. In addition, there were dozens of other state and city police officers who kept their watchful eyes on potential security risks within and outside the perimeter of his divine presence. 

Every so often, the risk level of a leader's security may evolve and change in a manner that is not regular in pattern or method. Ability in foreseeing potential threats and responding swiftly to changing circumstances, motivating and updating staff training and integrity, and getting proactive in the safety of all involved are some of the key qualities of effective and successful security leadership and its management.

(The author is the former principal of Sera Je Secondary School (CBSE) Bylakuppe, Karnataka. Views expressed are personal. He can be reached at tsewangdorjimu@gmail.com)