State police geared for Ganesh Festival: CM

Mumbai, Aug 17 (UNI) The police have held several rounds of discussions with Ganesh Mandal representatives to chalk out a strategy to ensure smooth and peaceful conduct of the ten-day Ganesh Festival that commences later this month.

This was informed by Chief Minister Vilasrao Desmukh while speaking to reporters here today. The police does not want to take any chances in the wake of the 7/11 serial train blasts in the metropolis.

''All the Ganesh Mandal representatives are cooperating and they have agreed to provide names of their volunteers to the nearby police station who would be issued identity cards,'' Mr Deshmukh said.

Mr Deshmukh, however, ruled out seeking assistance of the police from other states during the festival.

Asked about the seizure of 20 kg of some white powder from Alibaug, Mr Deshmukh the matter is being investigated.

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