SHILLONG: This Durga Puja will witness a greater exercise of surveillance by way of the installation of Close Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras in the city as well as in other parts of the State, to ensure peaceful celebrations of the festival.
Central Puja Committee, Meghalaya general secretary JL Das denied that the CCTV cameras are being installed in view of the prevailing law and order situation and stated that this is a routine security measure taken in all puja pandals across the State and the country.
Reacting to a query, he said that ninety percent of the puja pandals in the State would be under the surveillance of CCTV Cameras.
Even last year, many of the bigger puja pandals has installed CCTV cameras in their respective pandals.
This time around, there would be 192 puja pandals across the State and 61 of them in the city.
When asked about the security measures taken in view of the ongoing law and order situation in the State, he said that the Central Puja Committee has requested the Home Minister to provide more security in puja pandals of the city and the State.
The festive season would commence with the CPC’s annual all faith – all religion ‘Get together of Harmony’ to be held on October 8 at the Assam Kristi Kendra, Dhankheti where Meghalaya Governor Dr KK Paul would be the chief guest.
It would be interesting to see the next move of pro-ILP groups as several quarters have requested the groups to call off agitations in view of the ensuing festive season next week onwards.