Tripura towns under tight security for Sonia's rallies

Agartala, Feb 18 (UNI) Capital Agartala and the northern town of Dharmanagar were brought under tight security cover in view of Congress president and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi's rallies today.

''Traffic has been restricted at different points of the city but there is no serious threat perception so far,'' police officials said here.

According to the police officials, special protection group (SPG) took charge of both the grounds three days ago where Ms Gandhi is scheduled to address rallies for the February 23 Assembly election.

''More than one company of Central Paramilitary Force have been deployed in the outer circle cover followed by several other layers of security arrangements. The core area will be manned only by the SPG,'' the officials added.

Police Superintendent of traffic Gourav Chakraborty said, ''No traffic will be allowed for three hours around the ground, when the rally will be held.'' The strength of traffic police had also been increased to manage the crowd, he added.

Three Union Ministers--Prithviraj Chavan, Santosh Mohan Dev and Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi--were looking after all the arrangements while AICC secretary Sanjay Bapna was camping in Dharmanagar for the last three days to make the party chief's visit safe, secure and meaningful.

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