Last update: June 04, 2023 21:17 IST
Rapid Action Force personnel hold a flag march as part of heightened security arrangements after an explosion occurred on Heritage Street near the Golden Temple, in Amritsar. (ITP)
Four companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed in Amritsar in addition to a heavy police force presence across the state in light of recent low intensity explosions and hoax calls near the Golden Temple.
In light of the recent low intensity explosions near the Golden Temple and a hoax bomb call, tight security measures have been put in place ahead of the 39th anniversary of ‘Operation Bluestar’ on Monday to prevent adverse incidents.
Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) (ADGP) Arpit Shukla chaired a meeting of senior police officials to review security arrangements in the holy city, with particular emphasis on the Golden Temple complex.
Shukla said that strict measures will be taken against those who spread rumors and try to vitiate the peaceful atmosphere of the state. “Criminal cases will be filed against anyone who spreads rumors and false information that causes panic and tension among the people to damage the peaceful atmosphere in Punjab,” the ADGP said.
A young man was arrested by police on Saturday after making a false bomb threat call regarding the Golden Temple. He contacted the police control room and falsely claimed that four bombs had been planted near the Sikh holy shrine, authorities said. The call triggered a state of high alert for the Punjab police and an extensive search operation was launched, accompanied by a bomb disposal team. However, no explosive device was found.
Gagandeep Singh, a resident of the Majith Mandi area, was later arrested after the call was traced to a stolen mobile phone. The police registered a case against him.
The ADGP stated that four companies of paramilitary forces have been deployed in Amritsar, in addition to a strong presence of police forces throughout the state.
Police officers have been ordered to ensure the operation of CCTV cameras installed in religious places and other vulnerable places. Police social media teams have been instructed to monitor content shared on various social media platforms that could be used by unscrupulous elements to disrupt the peaceful environment of the state.
In addition to the deployment of four companies of paramilitary forces, more than 3,500 police officers from various units such as the Rapid Action Force, Armed Reserve Police, Punjab Armed Police, Special Operations Group, SWAT team and security teams tear gas assigned to ensure security arrangements.
The ADGP further said that 68 checkpoints have been established for 24-hour surveillance and patrols have been deployed in congested areas.
