GUWAHATI, June 23 � Security of the passenger trains and railway stations in Assam has been beefed up after the police and intelligence agencies came to know of a plan by the anti-talk faction of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) and newly formed militant outfit Adivashi People�s Army (APA) to trigger off explosions on trains.
The Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of the NF Railway, SS Hajong told The Assam Tribune that the security of the trains and stations has been intensified. Additional security personnel have been deployed in Guwahati railway station, the busiest station in the region and is considered most vulnerable.
At present, around 80 Railway Protection Force (RPF), 70 Government Railway Police, 30 Assam Police Battalion and 20 Home Guard personnel have been deployed in the Guwahati railway station to keep a close watch on the station. A quick reaction team of armed personnel has also been posted in the station. Security men on plain cloths are also deployed in the station, while the CCTV cameras are monitored round the clock. Metal detectors have been installed in the entry points of the station and security personnel are keeping vigil on the other routes through which one can enter the station. A dog squad is also pressed into service. However, it is not possible to check the baggage of each and every passenger in the busy station.
The CPRO revealed that security of the Kamakhya station has also been boosted as a large number of people are thronging the station because of the Ambubachi mela. Patrolling of the tracks in the vulnerable areas of the State has been intensified and the Rajdhani Express is now preceded by a security special engine. Though it is difficult to use security special engines ahead of all passenger trains but track patrolling by using security specials at regular intervals is being carried out. Personnel of the GRP and RPF personnel are also travelling on board the passenger trains.
Meanwhile, when contacted, police sources said that the threat perception is very serious and the Railways have already been informed of the danger so that adequate precautionary measures can be taken. At the same time, all the district police forces have also been alerted to take all possible steps to thwart the designs of the ultras.
