MHA denies CM Mann Paris travel, amid security concerns

Citing security concerns, the Union ministry of home affairs (MHA) has not granted clearance to Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann for his planned visit to Paris to support the Indian Hockey team in the Olympics.

CM Mann, who holds a red diplomatic passport that typically allows for expedited visa processing, had sought political clearance from the MHA for his Paris visit to cheer up the hockey team, which is set to play its first quarterfinal match in the ongoing Olympics on August 4.

With a significant number of the players hailing from Punjab, Mann was eager to show his support in person but the Centre cited security concerns related to his status as a Z+ security protectee.