Security up in city ahead of I-Day

Tribune News Service

Patiala, August 13

Security has been tightened in and around Patiala, especially on border towns nearing Haryana, ahead of the 70th Independence Day celebrations.

Roads leading to the state border are being guarded closely and special nakas have been laid on all key roads going towards the city and other important areas.

The police have started a special drive in which vehicles are being checked and raids are being conducted at all possible hideouts of suspects. The police are holding nakas at night.

“The security has been tightened in the area for the Independence Day. Special nakas have been put in place and a close eye is being kept at night. Extra troops have also been brought in from other districts to strengthen the security,” said senior officials.

Meanwhile, senior police officials have instructed the SHO-level officers to maintain vigil and ensure that all hotels and guest houses are checked for any persons staying their unauthorised. “Regular nakas have been laid on the road near the YPS,” they said.

Full-dress rehearsal for the Independence Day parade was held at the YPS Stadium today under thick security blanket. The administration claimed to have made the necessary arrangements for the civilians to attend the I-Day celebrations.

Security and intelligence services have been put on high alert to foil any attempt by anti-national elements.

“We have conducted searches in all hotels and guest houses in the city to ensure that no unidentified person was staying there without proper verification,” claimed the senior officials.

Meanwhile, the city police have also started holding regular nakas throughout the day and special vigil is being kept at night, with patrolling parties asked to frisk any suspect.

“State police and paramilitary personnel have been deployed at all strategic positions around the stadium and other strategic locations,” claimed the officials.

Speaker to unfurl Tricolour at YPS

Patiala: Speaker Rana KP Singh will unfurl the Tricolour on the 70th Independence Day at Yadavindra Public School. Deputy Commissioner Kumar Amit today reviewed the full-dress rehearsal. A cultural programme is also being held on the day. He, along with Patiala SSP S Bhupathi, met officials of various departments of the district. The DC said after unfurling the national flag, the Speaker would deliver a speech. He added that 11  police contingents, Home Guards, ITBP and others would do a march past. Freedom fighters, gatka team and artistes will be honoured on the day. The official added that Rana KP Singh would also distribute wheelchairs, tricycles and sewing machines among the needy. Students of Government Girls College will perform giddha and students of Government Mohindra College bhangra. A team from Punjabi University will also perform marshal art and stunts on motorcycles will be performed by professionals. Students of Govt Girls School, Old Civil Lines, Government Model School, Pheelkhana, Victoria Girls School, Government Girls School, New Power House Colony, Government Multipurpose Girls School, Model Town, and Government Model School, Civil Lines, will also participate in various event. The DC appealed to residents to join the celebrations and also pay homage to martyrs. — OC