GUWAHATI, Aug 6 � Even as the threat from extremist elements increases to government and high value assets in Assam before Independence Day, the security scene surrounding Guwahati Railway Station raises serious questions. Although protective measures are in place, major drawbacks remain when it comes to ensuring a tight security net.
The Assam Tribune was able to identify several points at which the busiest railway station of the North East is vulnerable, points which actually require more police presence and checks on the movement of people.
Although thousands of people visit the station every day, it was observed that many of them were able to get into the premises without a single check on their belongings. This afternoon visitors entered the station from the main entrance and some of them through the metal detectors which have been put up. However, the police personnel present did not check a single passenger nor had a scan of the luggage they were carrying.
More surprising was the fact that a part of the entrance to the station remained open, through which visitors had an unfettered entry to the facility. Roopkonwar Singh of Barpeta, who was waiting for his uncle, said that he was amazed that such an opening could be left unguarded after reports that militant groups were ready for to strike.
It was not just that the security in the main entrance was lax, there was no police presence on the east and west ends of the station. This means that anyone with a malicious intent could get access to the bustling rail station by walking along the unmonitored rail tracks.
Passengers who were coming to the railway station when asked did not said they had not noticed any rise in police presence or checking while on train. Subhankar Dutta, who had traveled on the Kamrup Express from Lumding describing his journey as �uneventful� said that he did not see any security personnel visit his compartment during the entire journey.
Another interesting development that has been reported by a few passengers is that there were no ticket checks on exit points after arrival of trains. This, they said encouraged passengers without tickets to make use of trains.
When contacted, police officials at the railway station urged the personnel on duty to start screening passengers and checking their luggage. However, one official said that security was a high priority and several policemen and women were at work in the station premises.
He further pointed out that a number of security men have also been deputed in plainclothes to keep an eye on the movement of people. �There are more men in civilian clothes than in uniform,� he said, and added that plainclothes policemen have been successful in nabbing criminals.
Asked to comment on the security scenario in and around the rail station, S Hajong, CPRO, NF Railway said that there could be some lapses, but the Railways would take appropriate steps to ensure safety and security of people in the station.
