Ahead of Independence Day, Punjab Police tightens security across border belt
Senior police officers were directed to intensify preventive measures, strengthen surveillance and patrolling, and maintain a close watch on sensitive locations
With Independence Day just days away, the Punjab Police has shifted its focus from merely responding to security incidents to preventing them, with heightened surveillance, proactive policing and tighter coordination across the border belt forming the core of its security strategy.
Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav on Monday reviewed the security preparedness of the Amritsar Commissionerate and Border Range, covering Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Pathankot and Batala, with particular emphasis on the sensitive border districts and vulnerable locations.
The meeting assumed significance amid heightened security concerns along the international border and the approaching Independence Day celebrations. Senior police officers were directed to intensify preventive measures, strengthen surveillance and patrolling, and maintain a close watch on sensitive locations, vital installations and major public congregation points.
The police have been asked to adopt a “prevention first” approach, with field units directed to identify potential vulnerabilities and take corrective measures before any incident takes place. The emphasis was not confined to security arrangements at Independence Day venues, but extended to the wider security grid across the city and border districts.
Crowd management, surveillance of vulnerable spots, security of vital installations and the ability of different units to mount a swift and coordinated response in an emergency were among the key issues reviewed during the meeting.
The exercise assumes added importance in Amritsar, a border city that houses major religious shrines, tourist destinations, busy public spaces and strategically important installations, besides being located close to the international border.
Police officers were directed to maintain close coordination among different units, share intelligence promptly and continuously assess emerging threats. Patrolling and surveillance in sensitive areas are also being intensified as part of the run-up to August 15.
Police Commissioner and DIG Border Range Harmanbir Singh Gill, besides senior officers of the Amritsar Commissionerate and the districts of Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Batala and Amritsar Rural, attended the review meeting.
