AGARTALA, Oct 13 - Tripura Police have given an assurance to put into place elaborate security arrangements to ensure peaceful celebration of the ensuing Durga Puja, the State�s biggest festival.
Although there is no specific threat perception, the police are taking no chances, said State DGP AK Shukla at a press conference here today.
�Durga Puja is likely to be held at 2,547 pandals this time around. There were 2,436 pandals last year. There will be 958 Durga Puja pandals in the urban areas, whereas the number is 1,569 in the rural areas,� he said.
�Altogether 148 police assistance booths will be set up. Besides, 96 watch towers are being constructed at all critical locations. Apart from five check gates at the entry and exit points to and from Agartala city, 38 more gates will be set up in and around Agartala,� the DGP said.
Shukla said that the sensitive pandals where footfalls are expected to be greater, will be kept under CCTV surveillance. CCTV cameras will also be installed at many locations all over the State. �Altogether 229 CCTV cameras have been installed across the State, including in some puja pandals. Big puja committees have been requested to install CCTV cameras in and around their puja pandals,� the DGP added.
The police administration also conducted a high-level security meeting with top officials of the CRPF, BSF and Assam Rifles, Shukla said, adding that Central paramilitary forces have been requested to intensify patrolloing at places adjacent to community Durga Puja pandals.
Some restrictions on vehicular movement will be put into place to ensure free movement of devotees and revellers during the puja days. No-entry will be imposed from 6 pm to 1 am here.
The DGP assured adequate security measures have been taken at all railway stations. The RPF and the GRP will provide security in running trains.
Shukla appealed to the people of the State to cooperate with the police to maintain law and order during the puja festivities. The State police chief also urged club authorities to extend hand to abolish the drug menace in the State.
