Security has been beefed up in Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal‘s home district Dibrugarh ahead of Independence Day celebration.
Tight security arrangement has been put into place across the district, amid intelligence reports that the militant outfit may choose to display their military firepower.
Earlier a joint statement by the ULFA-I and NSCN had called for a ‘total shutdown of all commercial activities, administrative services and educational institutions between 12 midnight to 6 pm on August 15 except for most essential and emergency services’.
Talking to Northeast Now, Dibrugarh additional SP (Headquarters) Padmanabh Baruah said, “We are fully prepared to ensure a peaceful Independence Day. Citizens will be able to celebrate Independence Day without dread and fear. Since the last 15 days intensive patrolling is being carried out in all important locations and vulnerable areas.”
“Night patrolling has also been intensified. Foot patrolling and river patrolling is also being carried out while anti-sabotage checking are being done at all entry and exit points of the town, vital installations and strategic locations. Apart from regular naka checking, intensive patrolling are being carried out on the highway, roads, bridges and embankments,” he added.
Security has alsobeen intensified at Bogibeel bridge to counter any threat from insurgent groups.
He added that security forces have been tasked to guard vital installations of the district including oil and gas pipelines, power houses, transmission towers, major bridges, railway stations, airport, markets and public places have been kept under close guard.
Security has been tightened at the Dibrugarh airport, Bogibeel bridge, Dibrugarh railway station, radio station, Doordarshan kendra, oil and gas terminals, transmission towers and industrial units which may be likely targets for militants.
In view of the threat, security check points have been set up at various places within the town and its outskirts, especially the entry and exit points of the town.
While all incoming and outgoing vehicles are being stopped for checking, pedestrians also have to undergo frisking in the check points.
Extensive security arrangements were also being made at the Chowkidinghee playground, the venue of the official Independence Day function in Dibrugarh.