CHANDIGARH: The union government has decided to deploy 10 companies of paramilitary forces in the Union Territory to strengthen the security set up in view of the assassination of Beant Singh on August 31.

The decision to allow further deployment of forces was taken at high level meeting between the senior officials of the Center and UT Police held Sept.l6th, Earlier, the Center was planning to withdraw some of the companies deployed in the city.

The Center had rushed 13 companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) to deal with the situation arising out of the bomb blast. According to local police sources, the Center was appraised of the gravity of the situation and the requirement of the additional forces.

Sources said the Center made it clear that in the event of any emergency situation developing in other parts of the country, the forces could be withdrawn without prior notice, Besides, the Center also assured that additional forces would be rushed if required within two days of notice.

Another decision regarding handling over of the entire security set up of the Punjab and Haryana civil secretariat and Vidhan Sabha, has already been taken. A CRPF battalion is likely to be deployed on permanent basis for guarding two vital installations.

“The entire work of guarding important buildings and manning the nakas has been entrusted to the paramilitary forces,” pointed out a senior police officer. He said out of the total strength ‘of 4032, about 15% local police personnel have been deployed for VIP security and airport security. In the changed circumstances, even paramilitary forces have been given the task for VIP security especially those falling under the ‘Z’ and ‘Z plus’ Categories. Although the Center is yet 10 specify the period for which the paramilitary forces will remain in the city, the local police sources said that there have been frequent intelligence Reports regarding the threats by militants to Carry out more activities during the next three months, A cross-section of the police officers feel that no chances can be taken in view of the changed tactics of the militant outfits for targeted attacks.

Article extracted from this publication >>  September 22, 1995