Tight security in Chhattisgarh ahead of Independence-Day celebrations

RAIPUR: Security has been beefed up in all the sensitive places across Chhattisgarh, particularly the Maoist-infested regions in the state, for the Independence Day celebrations tomorrow, police said.

" Tight security has been put in place in the state, especially in the insurgency-hit Bastar region, to avoid any disturbances by the rebels during the I-day celebrations," Additional Director General of Police (anti-naxal operations) R K Vij told.

Security forces have been asked to stay extra alert keeping in view the Maoists' opposition to the Independence Day celebrations, Vij said.

Armed guards have been deployed at all the important government establishments. Additional security arrangements have been made at the headquarters of each of the districts under Bastar division, comprising Sukma, Dantewada, Bijapur, Narayanpur, Kondagaon, Kanker and Bastar districts, he added.

"Patrolling has also been intensified in the interior forest pockets and inter-state borders to check suspicious movements," he said.

The state government has accomplished all the preparations in all the 27 districts, including the capital Raipur.

Chief Minister Raman Singh will hoist the national flag in the morning at 9 am at the Police Parade ground in Raipur and will receive the guard of honour by different units of security personnel, an official statement here said.

March past will be presented by Chhattisgarh police, Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF), CISF, Home Guard, NSS, NCC and scout guide cadets on the occasion and the tableaus depicting recent developments and upcoming schemes would be taken out in a parade, it added.

Speaker of Chhattisgarh Assembly Gaurishankar Agrawal, cabinet ministers and parliamentary secretary will take part in the I-Day celebrations to be held at different places across the state, it added.