Drones to keep surveillance in ‘sensitive’ districts

ARMS LICENCE HOLDERS ORDERED TO DEPOSIT THEIR WEAPONS WITH ADMN IN 9 DISTRICTS; PEACE COMMITTEES TO BE SET UP IN ALL DISTRICTS

CHANDIGARH : The Haryana government on Monday decided to keep surveillance in sensitive areas of the state with the help of drones and video cameras ahead of August 25 verdict by the Panchkula CBI court in a rape case against Dera Sacha Sauda head Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh.

It also ordered the arms licence holders in nine districts, which have high concentration of dera followers, to deposit their weapons with the local authorities. These districts are Sirsa, Fatehabad, Hisar, Jind, Karnal, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, Ambala and Panchkula.

Home secretary Ram Niwas, who held a video conference with deputy commissioners (DCs) and superintendent of police (SPs) of all the districts, told HT that drones and video cameras will be pressed into service in these districts.

He said it was also decided to form peace committees in all districts to maintain peace and harmony in the state. “People from all walks of life, including local political leaders, will be involved in the peace committees,” he said.

To another question, he said that while 35 companies of central paramilitary forces have already been deployed in sensitive districts, including Sirsa and Panchkula, more companies have also been sought.

“Law and order situation will not be allowed to be disrupted at any cost and the state machinery would take strict action if anyone tries to indulge in any mischievous activity,” Ram Niwas added.

Ram Niwas said though a constant vigil is being kept on the internet services, including social media, there is no plan to block these as of now.

“We will block it (internet services) and take a strict action against the guilty in case anyone tries to play mischief on it,” he said.

“We have also appealed the dera followers, who call themselves as ‘premi’ ((loving people)) to maintain peace and harmony,” he added.