Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir, Bihar and Panchkula have increased patrolling and surveillance to ensure safety during the festive period.
Security forces have intensified vigil across Jammu and Kashmir ahead of Diwali, according to the Kashmir Observer. The Special Operations Group (SOG) and other security forces are maintaining heightened presence at sensitive locations, highways and important junctions.
Arrangements have been established in Udhampur, Jammu, Srinagar, Qazigund, Kautha and Samba. SOG personnel are monitoring vehicle movement along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), where commuters are being frisked and documents verified at designated nakas.
In Bihar, Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has directed officials to ensure tight security and round-the-clock patrolling for Diwali, Kali Puja and Chhath. According to a statement from the Chief Minister's Office, the Chief Minister also ordered the formation of rapid response teams to counter fake news within four hours.
DGP Preeta Verma informed a review meeting that additional forces, including 16,000 trainee police personnel, 1,500 PTC personnel, Home Guards and Rapid Action Force personnel, have been deployed for festive security.
In Panchkula, police have increased patrolling in markets and busy intersections following directions from Police Commissioner Pankaj Nain, as reported by The Tribune. DCP Aditi Singh said personnel have been directed to maintain vigilance in areas with heavy public movement.
The Panchkula police are also monitoring the sale of illegal firecrackers and have issued an advisory for residents to supervise children in crowded markets and report suspicious objects.
