All major cities across Uttarakhand have been put on alert after recent intelligence inputs that Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, may be planning an attack in the national capital. Police here, however, said there is no such input about Uttarakhand.
Uttarakhand Director General of Police (DGP) Satyavrata said the step had been taken as a preventive measure on the Independence Day. Senior cops have been directed to strengthen security and pay special attention to the bordering districts. The DGP, however, clarified: "Though there is no such input about Uttarakhand, we have tightened security across the State. Police have taken some additional steps to strengthen security ahead of the Independence Day. Security has also been strengthened in border areas."
Sources at the police headquarters said that local intelligence units (lIU) had also been asked to keep strict vigil in Haldwani, Haridwar and Dehradun. Senior intelligence sleuths have been directed to be in touch with their colleagues and gather inputs. The DGP held a meeting with senior intelligence officials and passed instructions to them. A cop, on condition of anonymity, said there would be strict vigil in border areas of the State. Surprise checking of vehicles would also be carried out, he said.
Equipped with sophisticated arms, cops in plain clothes would be on duty at railway stations, bus stations and other public places. A specially trained squad of sniffer dogs would also be deployed. There would be special focus on security of important government offices and buildings. As part of the security arrangements, police have been asked to carry out intensive patrolling during night. Senior cops have been asked to do surprise inspection of patrolling. If any police personnel is found lax in his duty, strict action would be taken against him.
Commandos of Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) of Uttarakhand Police, commonly known as 'Guldar', would also be on duty at important locations. Sources in the police department said the commandoes would be deployed in the capital city and Haridwar. They would reach the venue of deployment on the eve of Independence Day and leave their positions only after celebrations were over.