Assam tightens security ahead of Independence Day

Security arrangements have been tightened across Assam ahead of Independence Day, with preparations underway for celebrations across the state, officials said on Friday.

A tight vigil is being maintained following calls by militant outfits, including ULFA(I), to 'boycott' the national day celebrations.

"Security has been tightened at all celebration venues, vital installations, public places and other areas to ensure smooth conduct of Independence Day events," a police official said.

"Monitoring and patrolling are being carried out to ensure there is no disruption of the events. We are confident of an incident-free Independence Day," he said.

Special watch is also being kept on inter-state borders to thwart any attempts at subversive activities, the official added.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma will hoist the national flag at Khanapara field in Guwahati, while ministers and senior officials will lead programmes at different venues across the state.

Militant outfits ULFA(I) and NSCN/GPRN have called for a boycott of Independence Day celebrations in Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur and Nagaland.

The outfits, refraining from calling a 'general strike' as in previous years due to the ongoing flood situation in parts of the state, have urged people not to participate in the celebrations and to boycott them.

Preparations for the celebrations were reviewed by senior officials earlier this week, with a special focus on security arrangements.

The meeting, jointly chaired by the chief secretary and DGP and attended via videoconference by senior district officials, reviewed logistical arrangements and security measures, including anti-sabotage measures, enhanced surveillance of vital installations, intelligence-sharing among agencies, round-the-clock monitoring of designated venues, route sanitisation, strengthened checking mechanisms and strict adherence to established protocols.