Seven companies of CAPF conducting route marches in localities: DGP
SHILLONG, April 12: The upcoming Lok Sabha elections and the recent killings of three labourers in East Khasi Hills has led to strengthening of the security mechanism in the state, particularly in the capital city where seven companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have be deployed.
Speaking with The Shillong Times on Friday, Director-General of Police (DGP) Lajja Ram Bishnoi said the Police department held a meeting on Thursday with all senior officers and the officers-in-charge of all the police stations to review the law-and-order situation.
The DGP also informed that Chief Secretary Donald P Wahlang also held a meeting on Friday to review the latest security arrangement. The meeting was attended by top officials of the Police and the Home departments.
Eight companies of CAPF have already reached the state, the DGP said, adding that one company has been deployed in Sohra while seven companies will take care of the security arrangements in the capital city.
Bishnoi said the CAPF companies have already started route march in localities from Friday to build confidence among the public.
Asked if more forces will be sought, the DGP said they already have a total number of 40 CAPF companies.
“We have directed the officer in-charge of the various police stations to conduct meetings with community leaders and take assistance of the Rangbah Shnong and executive committee of the Dorbar Shnong in different localities,” he said.
Bishnoi said they have also instructed the Dorbar Shnongs of the various localities to identify construction sites in their respective localities employing non-tribal labourers from the state or outside and to keep in touch with the concerned contractors/ owners.
The DGP said the Dorbars have been asked to coordinate with the concerned police station if any information comes to their knowledge.
He also informed that mobile police squads will be patrolling the narrow lanes where heavy vehicles cannot enter. A total of 82 motorcycles will be engaged for this purpose.
“We are also keeping a watch on the social media and we are urging the people not to post provocative or hate speeches and to maintain harmony and peace. The problem is with the social media where people are posting provocative statements. We are closely monitoring it,” he said.
The DGP also appealed the citizens to maintain peace and harmony and not believe in rumours or anything and everything posted on social media.
He also alerted citizens against circulating or sharing any information available on social media without proper verification.
“If anything comes to their notice they should first intimate the police and we will verify it. Do not circulate provocative statements or believe in rumours,” the DGP cautioned.
Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma had assured on Thursday that the government would deploy adequate forces to maintain law and order.
“I want to assure that there should not be any doubts as we will put enough boots on the ground to ensure there is no law-and-order issue,” he had said on the sidelines of an election campaign.