Shillong, October 12: East Khasi Hills Police have sought additional security forces to ensure peaceful and incident-free Durga Puja celebrations in Shillong, Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said on Monday.
Speaking to reporters, Syiem said adequate police personnel would be deployed at all important locations to maintain law and order and ensure the smooth conduct of the festivities. “We have asked for additional police deployment and adequate police deployment and security will be ensured in every place,” Syiem said.
He informed that the exact number of additional personnel required has not yet been finalised, as the police are still assessing security arrangements. “As of now, it has not been finalized how much force will be required. We are still working on it, we still have some time. Additional force is being asked and we will review the situation from time to time,” he said.
The SP further clarified that additional personnel are being mobilised from various parts of Meghalaya, while the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) is already deployed in the state. “No, only the state forces right now. We already have the CRPF deployment but still forces are being mobilized from all over the state,” he added.
Regarding preparations for the festival, Syiem said sector officers have already conducted meetings with various stakeholders, including Durga Puja committees, to coordinate security arrangements and ensure the smooth conduct of celebrations. He said police have also issued advisories directing Puja committees to install CCTV cameras and put in place adequate fire safety measures at pandals and other gathering points. Special attention is being given to preventing incidents involving missing children and accidents during the celebrations.
The SP further informed that Puja committees have been instructed to deploy volunteers to assist in crowd management and maintaining order at their respective pandals. Shillong Traffic Police will also assist volunteers and security personnel at major Puja pandals and strategic locations to regulate traffic and facilitate the movement of devotees.
Syiem assured that the police would continue reviewing the security situation and make necessary arrangements to ensure that Durga Puja is celebrated peacefully across Shillong.
