Security beefed up in Bengal Assembly,hotels, high rises

Kolkata, Jul 13 (UNI) Security in and around the West Bengal assembly and all important government buildings, hotels and highrises in the city has been further tightened in the aftermath of blasts in Mumbai and Srinagar.

Announcing the new steps in the state assembly, Speaker Hasim Abdul Halim today said apart from increasing the number of armed security personnel within the complex, orders had been issued for thorough search of those entering the house.

He said though paucity of funds had prevented him from installing close circuit televisions in all corners of the august house for monitoring the movement of people, the increased number of plainclothed securitymen would increase their round the clock vigil.

Referring to the entry of hundreds of outsiders in the assembly complex every day,the Speaker said besides each of them, those accompanying the members and media persons would be searched,he said.

Incidentally, following last year's serial bomb blasts in New Delhi, a number of preventive measures, including electronic surveillance, were installed in the state assembly to ensure full protection of members and employees.

Meanwhile, city police Commissioner Prasun Mukherjee, reiterating the utility of close circuit televisions in all important buildings, said since it was not possible for the police to suitably man every building for protection,help of modern technology should be taken whenever possible.

Without ruling out the possiblity of members of terrorist outfits taking shelter in the city,Mr Mukherjee said, ''apart from closely monitoring the guest lists,we have urged the hotel authorities to increase their own vigil to remain on the safe side.'' UNI ABA PL DB1639