Lok Sabha Security Breach: What Are Colour Gas Canisters Carried By Intruders?

New Delhi: Two people brazenly jumped from the public gallery into the chamber of Lok Sabha, in a significant security breach on Wednesday. The individuals released canisters emitting yellow smoke. Video footage captured from inside the chamber showed a chaotic scene as one man desperately hurdled desks, creating a frenzied atmosphere. His accomplice, meanwhile, unleashed a thick veil of smoke from the visitors’ gallery, enveloping the House in a yellowish mist.

What are colour gas canisters?

Visual effect: These are smoke cans or smoke bombs which are available in retail markets. They are used for various purposes including military operations, as well as civilian activities such as sporting events or photoshoots. These devices emit smoke for visual effects or to provide cover, serving different needs across diverse settings.

Military operations: Smoke screens generated by the dense smoke emitted from these smoke grenades play a crucial role in military and law enforcement operations. These clouds of thick smoke serve as effective cover, concealing troop movements and making them less visible to adversaries. Military forces utilise smoke cans to mark target zones for various purposes, including coordinating airstrikes, guiding troop landings, and indicating evacuation points. The strategic deployment of smoke enhances operational security and contributes to the success of military missions.

Photography: They serve as a popular tool for creating captivating effects and illusions.

Sports: In the realm of sports, particularly in football, fans often deploy smoke canisters to showcase the vibrant colors of their respective clubs. In European football, enthusiastic fan clubs, often referred to as ‘ultras,’ leverage smoke cans and pyrotechnics to craft intimidating atmospheres during matches, adding an extra layer of spectacle and fervor to the fan experience.

Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday issued a statement on the incident in Parliament. He cautioned all MPs against issuing entry passes to anyone. This is the first statement from the government a day after two men intruded Lok Sabha during the Zero Hour.

Eight Lok Sabha personnel were suspended as the security breach took place when they were on their duty. The home ministry ordered a probe and five accused have been arrested under stringent anti-terror charges of the UAPA.