Bihar put on high alert on I-Day eve

Patna, Aug 14 (UNI) Acting on the Centres directives and following intelligence inputs, Bihar government today sounded high alert across the state on the eve of Independence day.

The government was keeping a hawk's eye on vital installations, sensitive pockets and at public places.

Security of the refinery of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC)-Barauni, power units of National Thermal Power Corporation(NTPC) located in Kahalgaon and in Barh had been put on high alert in view of the intelligence inputs. Apart from this security had been tightened in and around the state capital.

The government had accorded extra attention in the extremist affected areas as the banned outfits had called a black day tomorrow.

Elaborating security arrangements on the eve of the Independence Day Inspector General of Police (Headquarters) Anil Sinha said here that all necessary directions had been issued to the district administration which was keeping a strict vigil at public places including railway stations, bus stops, sensitive areas and places of worship.All police stations in the state had been put on maximum alert and have been asked to remain prepared to tackle any eventuality.

He said special attention had been given all along the international borders where the Seema Sashastra Bal and Border Security Force were acting startegically in tandem with the local police to prevent infiltration of Maoists and other anti-social elements. All vehicles were being thoroughly searched before being allowed to enter India, he added.

Mr Sinha said the police headquarters was in constant touch with the district police superintendents and closely monitoring the situation. Special directions have been issued for the state capital where additional deployment has been made at the historical Gandhi Maidan, the place where the main official function of the Independence Day would be held.

Meanwhile, patrolling has been intensified and police team on its toes in every corner of the extremist-affected pockets to thwart any possible attempts by the outlaws.

Reacting on the joint statement of Nepali and Indian Maoists released in the extremist affected Gaya district, Mr Sinha claimed to be fully prepared to meet the challenges and added securitymen were keeping a ''close watch on every movement in the district.'' MORE UNI RS PL PA ND1826