High alert issued in North Bengal

Siliguri, Aug 14 (UNI) A High security alert has been issued in North Bengal in view of possible militant strikes on Independence Day tomorrow.

Official sources here today said police and para-military forces were conducting cordon operations in every district of North Bengal.

Additional security forces had been deployed to keep vigil on areas bordering Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan and all police stations of these areas had been alerted.

Security had been tightened at railway stations, bridges, airports, bus stops, shopping malls, market complexes and the other public places.

''Security arrangements have been beefed up in every part of North Bengal. However, we are keeping extra vigil in the areas bordering Bangladesh and Nepal. So far, we do not have any threat perception but we cannot take any risk,'' North Bengal Inspector General of Police(IGP) RJS Nalwa told UNI.

Police forces were conducting cordon operations on National and state highways, the IGP said. The state intelligence department's canine squad and bomb squad had also been alerted.

During yesterday's high alert at Bagdogra Airport, airport police arrested one person and recovered 12 cartridges and a bomb from the his possession.

Security especially been stepped up in those areas where the Kamtapur Liberation Organisation(KLO) and Maoists had a strong presence.

''We have taken all possible measures to resist any attempt by the militants to mar the Independence Day celebrations,'' Mr Nalwa said.

UNI