GUWAHATI, May 19 - Blame it on poor awareness or lack of intent on the part of law enforcement agencies, not even 10 per cent of the population in Assam get their tenants or domestic help verified by police in the State, with Guwahati being no exception.
This apparently has widened the cracks in the existing security mechanism in the State.
The lukewarm response from the respondents, according to experts, is also giving leeway to a number of history-sheeters.
The trend, despite the fact that there is a provision for online registration of verification forms for tenants and housemaids under the CCTNS project, is eluding the security agencies of a major piece of database which could have proved handy in preventing as well as cracking criminal cases.
�It is imperative for us as well as the landlords to know whether the tenant and the housemaid is clean. In many ways, this can be a deterrent,� sources told The Assam Tribune.
Experts feel that the police will have to act tough on the erring landlords and start charging them under relevant sections of the law to get the desired response.
�Many criminals, including members of militant outfits, tend to take shelter in rented accommodations and hotels, and without verification, it is difficult to get to them. And by the time, we lay our hands on pertinent information, the damage is already done,� sources pointed out.
Meanwhile, close on the heels of ULFA resorting to violent activities in front of a premier shopping mall on May 15, the Guwahati Police has issued specific instructions for the internal security mechanism of shopping malls, cinema halls, hotels and even market areas.
Police have also warned against undermining the security component and said such a lackadaisical attitude would invite stern action.
Sources said apart from maintaining equipment like metal detectors, including the door frame, and ensuring maximum CCTV coverage of entry and exit points, shopping malls and movie halls have been asked to maintain adequate strength of private security personnel at their disposal.
Sources further stated that the existing number of CCTV cameras installed in Guwahati does not meet the requirement and there is a serious need of an overhaul.
�We still do not know as to how many of them are actually in good condition. Although there is a provision for installation of nearly 4,000 CCTV cameras under the smart city project that, however, remains a distant dream. We need some immediate measures,� sources pointed out.
