Republic Day: Security beefed in region

Our Correspondent

Mandi Ahmedgarh/Raikot/Khanna, January 19

Security has been beefed up in the region ahead of Republic Day celebrations and ensuing Assembly elections, polling for which is scheduled to take place on February 20.

Sacrilege incidents in the state and recent bomb blast in Ludhiana had further necessitated extra proactive measures to check sneaking in of unscrupulous elements in guise of routine visitors.

To supplement security measures being taken in routine, complete ban has been imposed on flying of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, remotely piloted aircraft systems and hot air balloons till January 27 after which decision will be reviewed according to directions of the Election Commission. Madhvi Katria, Deputy Commissioner, Malerkotla

Besides focusing attention on busy markets and public places, officials have also been asked to enhance security at and near venues of scheduled Republic Day celebrations at various places in Ludhiana and Malerkotla districts.

While councillors, sarpanches and panches of various rural and urban localities had already been advised to organise ‘Theekri Pehras’ the administration had also banned flying of drones in the region.

Madhvi Katria, Deputy Commissioner, Malerkotla, said, “To supplement security measures being taken in routine, complete ban has been imposed on flying of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, remotely piloted aircraft systems and hot air balloons till January 27 after which decision will be reviewed according to directions of the Election Commission.”

Senior functionaries in the Police Department had also made adequate security arrangements at and near venues of Republic Day celebrations, she added.

Meanwhile, senior cops claim to have reviewed and revamped security arrangements at localities falling under their jurisdiction in view of the ensuing Assembly elections.

All Station House Officers and beat officers have been instructed to enhance night patrolling in their respective areas and make sure all arms license holders deposit their weapons at nearest police stations or authorised arms dealers.

“Keeping in view busy schedule of arms license holders, we have deployed special teams to collect weapons from their residences or offices according to their convenience,” said Harvinder Singh Cheema, Deputy Superintendent of Police.