Security has been beefed up and red alert sounded in insurgency-hit Bastar division in view of the Independence Day celebrations to be held on August 15.
The borders with neighbouring States have been sealed and elaborate security arrangements have been made to avert any untoward incident.Inspector General of Police (IGP) , Bastar, SRP Kalluri said that CRPF, BSF, CAF and STF personnel have been deployed and they are patrolling the borders of the State with Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Maharashtra.
About 5000 security personnel have been sent to the insurgency infested areas in interior forests. Helicopters has also been pressed into service to trace the suspected hideouts of Maoists. Kalluri further said that additional units of security forces trained in guerilla warfare have been sought to deal with the insurgents more effectively in Bastar.
Special security arrangements have been made at the headquarters of each of the districts of Bastar division for the flag hoisting ceremony on Independence Day. Intensive checking is being done within five kilometer radius of the district headquarters.Policemen in plain clothes have been deployed in Sukma, Dantewada, Bijapur, Narayanpur, Kondagaon, Kanker and Bastar districts.
The offices and residence of public representatives, police and administrative officers are being guarded by additional police force. Patrolling has been intensified on highways and police is keeping an eye on movement of people in these areas, added Kalluri.
Besides this the senior officers of Chhattisgarh Police are maintaining regular communication with the police officers of adjoining States.