Police on full guard for festive season

New Delhi, Oct 8 (UNI) In the wake of recent serial blasts that rocked the capital, a major chunk of Delhi Police have exclusively been dedicated for the peaceful celebration of 'puja' and 'dusshera' in the megapolis.

All 'puja' pandals and 'dusshera' sites were being sanitised every morning before people flock for 'darshan', said a senior police official adding that strict vigil on sensitive pockets were being maintained.

''Although with recent investigations, unknown suspects have come to wreck havoc, yet with proper vigilance we expect to foil any attempt to disrupt peaceful celebration of festivals.'' The thrust this time is on ''prevention'' by focussing on areas where any mischief is likely to happen and for this sharp-shooters have been stationed at vantage points to keep a watch on trouble makers, he said.

''Also, regular patrolling has been enhanced and checking at pickets increased, specially at busy places like markets, malls, stations, bus terminuses and metro stations.'' All border posts have been kept under extreme alert and inflow of suspect vehicles were being monitored, said the official adding additional personnel was also deployed to ensure a sense of security among people.

''We have also made elaborate arrangemnets to prevent escape of culprits, in case of an incident, by posting personnel with automatic weapons and wireless sets at important crossings all over the city.'' This, he said, would help nab any element trying to flee after carrying out any 'operation'.

Besides, as an additional step this time, petty shopkeepers and small time street people have been roped in, for the festival period, to keep informing the nearest police stations about any ''new development'' in their area at regular intervals.

''They are the Delhi Police's new 'eyes and ears' for the festive season.'' Meanwhile, another security official said, despite the festive rush, police is not trying to make its presence felt all over, in order not to scare away people from participating in festivities.

''The thrust, this time, is on subtle vigilance.'' UNI AN Mir HS1930