Guwahati, June 24: Assam cabinet minister Himanta Biswa Sarma is being provided Z category security cover since yesterday, just a slot below the Z+ cover enjoyed by chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal, his predecessors Tarun Gogoi and Prafulla Kumar Mahanta and governor Banwarilal Purohit.

Sarma is now among the few select politicians and governors in the militancy-affected Northeast to have Z+/Z category security.

The coveted new security cover reflects Sarma's "growing" importance in the ruling BJP and as the convener of the North East Democratic Alliance (Neda).

A Z category protectee is guarded by 22 security personnel, including commandos, but not the National Security Guard (NSG), while a Z+ protectee is provided security by 36 personnel, including NSG commandos.

A Z + protectee also gets a pilot and an escort vehicle with a PSO while a Z category protectee gets only the escort vehicle. A fire tender, an ambulance and a close protection group accompany a Z + protectee, but it depends on his/her position and threat perception. In Assam, the chief minister and the governor get the same, sources in the chief minister's office said.

BJP and police insiders said a reason for the Union home ministry providing Sarma Z category security is the threat level when he travels outside the state to campaign for the BJP or as the convener of Neda. The Neda is a forum of non-Congress parties in the northeast the avowed goal of which is to oust the Congress from the region.

Emphasising Sarma's importance in the party, a BJP insider said: "As Neda convener, Sarma has been travelling a lot across the region and to Delhi. With Tripura, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Mizoram going to the polls next year, his tours as the main campaignerhink tank will only increase in the coming days. Since he is an aggressive campaigner, it is better to be safe than sorry."

After being appointed Neda convener, Sarma has become the most visible BJP face in the region. He has played a key role in helping the BJP's surge to power in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Manipur. He also holds key portfolios such as finance, health, education and Guwahati development in Assam. Sarma said: "No reaction, but I have not sought any cover (security) for myself."

In the Northeast, Nagaland has five Z+ protectees: governor P.B. Acharya, chief minister Shurhozelie Liezietsu, his predecessors T.R. Zeliang, S.C. Jamir and Neiphiu Rio. Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh chief ministers Mukul Sangma and Pema Khandu, too, are Z+ protectees. Mizoram and Tripura chief ministers have police protection.