Uttarakhand Special Operation Task Force (SOTF) has accelerated combing in bordering areas and operation to gather inputs across the border after recent incident of ambush on the Congress leaders by Naxals in Chhattisgarh. The operation began following instructions of Director General of Police (DGP) Satyavrata Bansal, who is personally monitoring it.
The DGP directed the police chiefs of districts, including Haldwani and Udhamsinghnagar in Kumaon region, sharing the boundary with other States, to be vigilant and carry out extensive combing in the areas where the Naxals had presence in the past. Similarly, instructions have been given to police chief of the districts sharing boundary with the international border.
The Deputy Inspector Generals of Police (DIGs) have been asked to hold a meeting to review security arrangements in their respective areas and ensure extensive combing. The DGP is in regular touch with Seema Surakha Bal (SSB) in order to check infiltration attempt by Naxals across the border.
“STOF sleuths have been asked to accelerate their movement for gathering inputs. The sleuths have been directed to pay special attention in the areas, including Khatima, Haldwani,” DGP said, adding that the sleuths would also be exceptionally vigilant in some pockets of Uttarkashi, Champawat and Pithoragarh. District police will also pay special attention on the areas where on instances of Naxals’ presence were seen few years back.
The DGP, however, made it clear that so far no substantial inputs were found. It may be mentioned here that SOTF, which remained inactive till five months back for one reason or the other, gained much needed support from the DGP who took keen interest in reactivating the SOTF that is meant for handling special nature of operations. SOTF comprises cops expert in gathering inputs and intercepting calls.
leaders’ security to be reviewed
Dehradun: State police has geared up for reviewing security of the prominent leaders. It will gather inputs from different sources, including intelligence agencies. On the basis of inputs, the police would prepare a report. If the inputs indicate towards any threat to any of the leaders, the police would enhance their security.
Asked if there was any security review to enhance the security of the leaders after the incident of Chhattisgarh, DGP Satyavrata said that scene in Uttarakhand was totally different. But if there would be requirement, security would definitely be enhanced.
Moreover, sources in the department said that process to review security of leaders was in progress. A senior officer was doing monitoring of it. PNS