High alert in UP during Republic Day: heavy checking at inter-state, international borders

Lucknow, Jan 18: With the Intelligence Bureau (IB) issuing an advisory of a possible terror attack during the celebration of Republic Day, Uttar Pradesh police has issued a high alert in the state, while a special drive has been launched in several parts of the state, particularly on the porous Indo-Nepal border. UP police has to make dual effort due to the Republic Day, as well as the coming seven phase Assembly elections in the state between February 11 to March 8. wwwwww All check-posts along the inter-state borders and connecting Nepal have been put on maximum alert, officials said. Dog and bomb squads have been deployed at vulnerable spots to thwart any subversive activity. State Director General of Police Javeed Ahmed has directed the officials and the District Collectors to make an elaborate security plan, to ensure peaceful celebration of the Republic Day. According to IG (Law and Order) Hari Om Sharma, in Lucknow and other sensitive places, including vital installations, local security personnel were taking the services of 'drones' to thwart any possible terror attack. "The security forces had already ensured aerial survey of all the important places where flag hoisting would take place. Lucknow has been also given about a dozen companies of reserved police force, along with Quick Response Team (QRT) of the Anti-Terrorists Squad (ATS), just to meet any SOS-kind situation," he added. According to reports, besides aerial survey in Lucknow, roof top patrolling has been put in place all along the route, through which Republic Day procession and replica will be taken out. Local police has so far identified 25 high rise buildings, from where monitoring will be done during the Republic Day function. Sources said that special measures has been also taken following inputs from IB. A special vigil has been kept at all the important bus stands, railway stations and government buildings. Sources maintained that the services of Central Para-Military Forces (CPMF) have been also taken to assist the local police in maintaining law and order situation. Besides deployment at important establishments, frisking and checking exercises have been also put into action on all important and vital entry and exit points, specially connecting the Nepal border. Local police here in Lucknow has been directed to carry out checking in hotels and dharamshalas and an appeal has been made to the public to immediately pass on the message about movement of any suspected person or any object found lying unclaimed. A control room has been also been set up for monitoring the Republic Day function and IG (security) has been made its incharge. SSP Lucknow has been provided services of jammers, anti-sabotage and anti-mine gadgets, along with Bomb Detection and Disposal Teams. IG Lucknow Zone has been entrusted to ensure that no untoward incident took place during celebration, Mr Sharma said.