Ludhiana Police Intensify Security with 3,000 Personnel for Republic Day Celebrations at PAU
In Ludhiana, amid a heightened state of alert for Republic Day, the local police force has guaranteed comprehensive and robust security arrangements for the upcoming celebrations scheduled for Monday at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU). The police have mobilized a significant contingent to ensure the event proceeds smoothly and without incident.
Massive Police Deployment and High-Level Oversight
Approximately 3,000 police personnel will be strategically deployed across the city to maintain peace and order during the Republic Day function. This substantial force underscores the seriousness with which authorities are approaching security during this period of elevated vigilance.
The event will be presided over by Punjab cabinet minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, adding a layer of official importance to the proceedings. In preparation, DGP, headquarters S S Srivastava conducted a visit to Ludhiana on Saturday. He personally inspected the arrangements at the PAU grounds and subsequently held a detailed meeting with senior police officials to thoroughly review and refine the security plan.
Detailed Security Measures and City-Wide Vigilance
Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma provided an in-depth overview of the security blueprint. He emphasized that while adequate arrangements were already in place, the current high alert status has necessitated an intensification of vigilance. The entire police force will be on active duty to manage the situation.
Of the total deployment, around 500 personnel will be specifically stationed at the PAU venue to secure the main event. The remaining officers will be dispersed throughout the city to monitor and control the broader urban landscape.
Proactive Checkpoints and Targeted Operations
Commissioner Sharma outlined several proactive measures:
- Starting from Sunday evening, police checkpoints will be established under the jurisdiction of all police stations.
- These checkpoints will be concentrated on main roads, chowks, and market areas to maximize visibility and deterrence.
- Special attention will be given to vehicles exiting the city and at all major entry points to monitor incoming and outgoing traffic.
In addition to vehicular checks, security protocols have been extended to major public hubs. Rigorous checking is being carried out at locations such as the railway station and bus stand. Police personnel manning the checkpoints are conducting thorough inspections of suspicious vehicles to preempt any potential threats.
Crackdown on Criminals and Landlord Accountability
To further bolster security, the CIA teams of the police commissionerate are actively monitoring habitual offenders to prevent any untoward incidents. Commissioner Sharma revealed a significant crackdown in the lead-up to the celebrations.
In the past couple of days, the police have conducted coordinated raids and successfully cracked down on over 100 notorious criminals operating in the region. This aggressive stance is part of a broader strategy to disrupt criminal networks ahead of the national holiday.
Addressing a common security loophole, Sharma highlighted that criminals often infiltrate the city by renting accommodations before committing offences. To counter this tactic, the Ludhiana police have initiated strict action against landlords who rent out properties without first obtaining mandatory police verification of their tenants. This measure aims to cut off a key resource for criminal elements seeking to operate within the city.
The combined efforts of massive deployment, strategic checkpoints, targeted operations, and enhanced community accountability reflect a multi-layered security approach by the Ludhiana police to ensure a safe and peaceful Republic Day celebration for all citizens.
