Visarjan, Babri: Security At Peak

Warning that stringent action will be initiated against anti-social elements, City Police Commissioner A K Khan, on Sunday, stated that 25,000 police personnel have been deployed to maintain law and order in the city in the wake of the the Ganesh Immersion procession set to take place on September 22nd.

Talking to media persons after reviewing the security arrangements for the Ganesh procession with his staff at Jaya Gardens at Somajiguda, Khan said the police had been directed to act tough against anti-social elements during the immersion processions.

The Commissioner said that 40 officers of the rank of SP had been deployed to supervise arrangements.

Khan said that CCTVs will be installed at vital points to review the situation on an hourly basis, and to initiate action against troublemakers if any.

The Police Chief said that women police and 6,000 home guards have been deployed for the maintenance of law and order.

Khan said 272 hyper-sensitive and 543 sensitive centres had been identified, and 475 mobile parties were moving in the areas for the smooth conduct of the Ganesh Immersion.

He added that 4 Rapid Action Force teams had been deployed to prevent untoward incidents, particularly in the Old City.

The Police Chief revealed that bind-over cases have been lodged against 800 rowdy-sheeters.

The Police Commissioner said the officials had prepared a route map for the Ganesh procession, and that it will be released soon to religious heads.

Khan said that the officials had been asked not to take leave from work till Sept 28th.

In the wake of the Allahabad High Court's expected verdict on Babri Masjid case on Sept 24th, the Department has decided to continue to impose Section 144 until September 28th.

Khan said that processions and rallies will not be allowed without prior permission.

The police chief said that Goshamahal, Asifnagar, Malakpet, Bholakpur and Musheerabad have been declared as hyper-sensitive, as they had witnessed communal riots last April - and senior police officers have been posted in these places to deal with the situation.

Reacting to the firing on 2 foreigners near Jama Masjid in New Delhi, he said that a high alert had been announced in the city, and asked people to help the police in the maintenance of peace and harmony.

The police chief also said that police will conduct searches of vehicles and body frisking exercises, and requested citizens to extend their cooperation.

Courtesy: INN