SHILLONG, October 12: With Durga Puja celebrations beginning this week, East Khasi Hills police have sought additional forces and planned round-the-clock mobile patrols and tactical team deployments across Shillong to strengthen security at puja pandals and other crowded locations. The measures come amid petrol bomb attacks and arson incidents reported in the city last month.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said the district police were working on a deployment plan, with the requirement for additional personnel yet to be finalised. The police will review security arrangements periodically as state police forces are mobilised across Meghalaya. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is also available.
“We have asked for additional police deployment, adequate police deployment and police security will be ensured in every place,” Syiem said.
He said elaborate security arrangements were being planned at puja pandals, with mobile patrols by police stations and tactical teams operating across Shillong round the clock to prevent untoward incidents.
The police have held meetings with stakeholders at the levels of Superintendents of Police, Deputy Commissioners and police stations to coordinate arrangements for the festival. Sector officers have also discussed security measures and operational plans with organisers and other stakeholders to ensure the celebrations pass off peacefully.
The authorities have issued advisories on crowd management to prevent stampedes. Organisers have also been advised to install CCTV cameras and ensure adequate fire safety measures at puja venues.
The heightened security comes after petrol bomb attacks and arson incidents in Shillong last month, prompting police to step up preventive measures ahead of the festivities.
Syiem said security arrangements would be reviewed from time to time, with additional personnel deployed as required to maintain law and order throughout the celebrations.
