R Day: Special vigil in MP

Bhopal, Jan 25 (UNI) In view of the arrest of five naxals who were managing a weapons factory here, comprehensive security arrangements are in place in the Madhya Pradesh capital and the rest of the state for Republic Day.

''Security arrangements are strict every year but this time round a special vigil is being mounted. Besides deployment of bomb disposal squads and sniffer dogs here and in key towns, security gadgets have been fitted in sensitive places. The Raj Bhavan, Chief Minister's residence, Assembly and Mantralaya are under priority surveillance,'' said Inspector-General (Law and Order) A K Soni.

The officer explained that Rapid Action Force and Special Armed Force battalions are part of the arrangements even as a vigil was mounted in naxalism-affected Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori and Sidhi districts.

''For the past week, arrivals at airports, railway stations, bus depots, hotels and lodges are being monitored. Gazetted officers will handle security-linked responsibilities at crucial locations,'' Mr Soni added.

UNI