Amritsar, August 29
Stung by criticism of high-handedness, senior police officers, in charge of the security arrangements, have urged the police personnel on duty to guide devotees with a helpful attitude and a human face so that no one feels harassed.

In view of a large number of VVIPs, including the President, the Vice-President and the Prime Minister, expected to attend the celebrations, the Director-General of Police, Mr A.A. Siddiqui, today reviewed the entire security drill-personally to ensure smooth conduct of the quardicentennial celebrations. Mr Siddiqui said elaborate security arrangements had been made throughout the city. More than 7,000 Punjab police personnel, including commandoes and PAP jawans, had been deployed to maintain law and order and take care of security arrangements.

The DGP, while referring to the statement of a former Akali Finance Minister, Capt Kanwaljit Singh that policemen in plainclothes will not be allowed in site the Golden Temple complex to escort the VVIPs, said the police was working in coordination with the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and there was no problem in making arrangements for the dignitaries.

Giving details of the security arrangements, Mr Siddiqui said explosive experts had been asked to remain on maximum alert to provide foolproof security both for the VVIPs and for the devotees.

He said special emphasis had been put on managing the massive inflow and out flow of pilgrims at the Golden Temple complex. Arrangements were being made to prevent any kind of rush during the five-day long celebrations. He added that the police had kept all eventualities in mind while preparing the security plans, included the possibility of suicide attacks. He said he would himself camp here to monitor the entire security operations.

The DGP said the city had been divided into five security zones, each to be headed by a DIG who would be under his command. Besides, 12 SSPs, 150 SPs and other police officials will coordinate the entire security network thrown around the holy city.

The DGP today formally launched the maiden Amritsar tourism police at the Rajasansi Airport. He said this specially trained force had been set up to provide guidance and help to thousands of tourists visiting the holy city. The present small posse will comprise 60 policemen. They would provide assistance to tourists at the bus stand, the railway station, the airport, the Golden Temple and the Wagah border. The force would be headed by Mrs Vibhu Raj, SP (headquarters).

He said the police personnel had been especially trained at the Indian Institute of Hotel Management and would be fully equipped to handle the queries of tourists. He said the force would soon be equipped with mobile teams. After seeing their performance and results, the Punjab police would add more such trained police teams at Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Patiala.