Security step-ups for Dussehra in UP

Lucknow, Oct 8 (UNI) Taking in view recent terrorist attacks in Uttar Pradesh and other parts of the country, the state police have made elaborate security arrangements with intelligence mechanism firmly in place, on the occasion of Dussehra tomorrow.

As many as 47 companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and eight companies of Rapid Action Force (RAF) with one thousand trainee recruits have been garrisoned across the state for maintenance of security .

Besides, bomb disposals and anti-terrorist squads have been deployed in civvies.

A large number of Close Circuit Television (CCTv) cameras would also be installed at sensitive places, especially in the cities like Lucknow which marks 'Raavan Dahan' in the presence of thousands of people. ''These CCTVs would also act as a third-eye to foil any terrorists' bid,'' the Additional General of Police (Law and Order) Brij Lal said .

All market places, temples, cinema halls and shopping malls have been put under thick security cover and the arragemnets would continue till Deepawali, the ADG (law and Order) said.

UP Director General of Police (DGP) Vikram Singh had himself, visited the various temples and Durga Puja pandals in the state capital to have first hand information on the secuirty arrangements a couple of days back.

''The senior officers are maintaining round the clock vigil in order to oversee security drills across the state. We would see to it that Dussehra festival passess off peacefully,'' Mr Lal said.

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