Patna, May 6 (UNI) Security arrangements have been tightened and special vigil was being maintained all along the Indo-Nepal international border adjoining Bihar in case of any eventuality if it takes place in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
The police state headquarters sources said here on Tuesday that all of the police superintendents have been put on high alert and asked to remain prepared to tackle any situation. The sources said that through a letter the Additional Director General (ADG) of Law and Order directed the Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs) and Railway SPs, to enhance security measures at sensitive locations under their jurisdiction.
According to the source the security personnel were keeping the hawk's eye all along the Nepal International border adjoining Bihar which was under heavy surveillance in the aftermath of Pahalgam terrorist attack. The sleuths of Seema Sashastra Bal ( SSB) were frisking each and every vehicle and the movement of the people was also being examined thoroughly.
The trained canine squad were helping the security personnel in the security drill.
The sources said that the state headquarters has asked to make fool proof security arrangements at vital installations, religious places, industries and all other sensitive locations. The security has been further beefed up at Mahabodhi Temple in Gaya, Hanuman temple in the state capital, Patna junction, Barauni pipe line, Patna Airport, Gaya airport, Darbhanga airport, Barauni Refinery, NTPC Barh, Patna Sahib Takht Harmandir Gurudwara, Indian oil terminal at Sipara and other such places.
Apart from stepping up security at crowded areas, the security personnel were also keeping a close watch on the hotels and lodges across the state. Patrolling has been intensified patrolling in the seemanchal areas.
In addition to this, additional security personnel have been deployed at key government establishments, including the Bihar Legislative Assembly, Legislative Council, Patna High Court, state secretariats and other major institutions. Following directions to intensify petroling around shopping malls, prominent shops, hotels restaurants, Bus stands, schools, religious spots and public places, the police personnel were maintaining special vigil in these areas.
Meanwhile all arrangements have been finalised for the mock drill to be conducted for the civilians on May 7 in five districts including Patna, Barauni, Begusarai, Katihar and Purnia following the directives of the Ministry of Home Affairs to demonstrate how to keep residents safe in the event of a war or a major attack.
Giving details of the mock drill, the district magistrate of Patna Chandrashekhar Singh said that air raid sirens will blare across Patna at 6.58pm signalling the start of a major nationwide civil defence mock drill which will include a complete blackout from 7pm to 7.10pm, simulating emergency conditions in the event of a national security threat.
Singh said that the people have been appealed not to use any alternative means of power including their mobile phones during the blackout.
He said that announcement would be made through public address systems on Wednesday morning to ensure public awareness. However the emergency services would remain exempted from the drill.
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