Foolproof security for President's visit in Meghalaya

Shillong, Oct 19 (UNI) Meghalaya government has imposed foolproof security, restricting movement of people and vehicles in the state capital in view of President Pratibha Patil's maiden two-day trip to Meghalaya beginning October 22.

The state government has asked for three additional companies of central paramilitary forces to assist the state police during the President's visit.

''We have to enforce strict cccess and control systems to ensure foolproof security during the President's visit,'' Inspector General of Police (Special Branch) S B Singh told UNI here.

Chief Secretary Ranjan Chatterjee reviewed the overall law and order situation in the state with Director General of Police B K Dey Sawian and other senior government officials.

The recent e-mail death threat sent to the President has also entailed the state police to be extra vigilant, Mr Singh said.

''We are taking utmost precautionary measures for the visit in view of the death threat sent to the President a few days back,'' he said.

Ms Patil will arrive in Shillong on October 22 and proceed to Mawphlang to inaugurate the third phase of the Greater Shillong Water Supply Scheme. In the evening, she will meet a gathering of Padma awardees and women's groups and their leaders.

On Thursday morning, Ms Patil will leave for Tura in the West Garo Hills district, where she would attend a civic function at the MP stadium organised by the Mothers' Union. She is scheduled to inaugurate the Baljek Airport near Tura before returning to Shillong.

Ms Patil will be the second President to visit Garo Hills after late President Dr Rajendra Prasad had visited the area in 1952.

In the same evening, she will attend the centenary celebration of the Laban Bengalee Girls' Higher Secondary School.

She will halt at Raj Bhawan for the night and leave for Delhi next morning.

Meanwhile, Shillong and Tura, the district headquarters of West Garo Hills, are getting a facelift and cleaning of the city thorough fares is in full swing before the arrival of the President in the state.

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