Hawk-eyed vigil: Security enhanced to thwart untoward incident in Amritsar

PK Jaiswar

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, November 2

The Amritsar police have enhanced the security in the city and in rural areas of the district as heavy rush of devotees and shoppers can be witnessed in markets ahead of Diwali.

The police personnel took out a flag march in the walled city and the Civil Lines. People have been urged to keep a close eye on their surroundings and inform the police about any suspicious element and abandoned items.

With the recent spate of smuggling of firearms and explosives from across the International Border by Pakistan-based anti-national forces, the Punjab Police have been on high alert. There have been intelligence inputs that unscrupulous elements may try to disturb law and order during the festive season.

Police Commissioner Dr Sukhchain Singh Gill said adequate security arrangements have been made to thwart any untoward incident. He said cops have been deployed in main markets and at religious places.

DCP (Law and Order) Parminder Singh Bhandal took the stock of security arrangements in the city. He said the strength of cops has been enhanced and patrolling has been increased inside and outside the walled city, which sees maximum rush during the festivities. He said PCR teams have been deputed in crowed areas.

“Vehicles are being checked in order to thwart any untoward incident,” he said. He along with Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Jugraj Singh visited different parts of the city. They took out a flag march in Ranjit Avenue.

Similarly, a flag march was conducted by Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Harjit Singh Dhaliwal at Hall Gate, Katra Jaimal Singh and other parts of the walled city.

Amritsar Senior Superintendent of Police (rural) Rakesh Kaushal said checkpoints have been set up at every sensitive point in rural areas.

‘Rein in youth’

Police Commissioner Dr Sukhchain Singh Gill said youngsters, especially in the age group of 18-25 carrying weapons without licence, will be taken to task. He urged people to avoid carrying weapons during Diwali. He pointed out that a minor altercation can turn ugly, which may create law and order problem.