Cops on alert, univs tighten security
LUCKNOW: Administrative officials, police and educational institutions in Uttar Pradesh have issued advisories and sounded an alert to avert any untoward incident on Valentine’s Day on Wednesday, officials said.
While universities have issued advisories and 1090 Women Power Line and anti-Romeo squads will remain on their toes, an outfit ‘Shri Krishna Sena’ said it would protect couples from hooliganism.
LUCKNOW POLICE SOUND ALERT
The Lucknow police have sounded an alert apprehending law and order problem on Valentine’s Day, a police official said. “The Women Power Line (1090) will address emergency complaints related to misbehaviour with women and girls. The staff of police control room (UP-100) and anti-Romeo squad have also been sensitised to entertain the complaints of girls on priority”, he said.
Senior superintendent of police, Lucknow, Deepak Kumar said: “Directives have been issued to in-charges of police stations and anti-Romeo squads to take action against troublemakers. People getting involved in any mischief or moral policing will be on our radar. A dozen mobile police teams will carry out patrolling in the city.”
TIGHT SECURITY AT BHU AND AU
The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) has taken steps to ensure security on the campus.
“Quick response teams (QRTs) will conduct patrolling on the premises. Security personnel on duty at intersections and different spots have been asked to maintain strict vigil,” public relations officer, BHU, Dr Rajesh Singh said. “If anyone tries to create nuisance on university premises on Valentine’s Day, police will be informed immediately and strict action will be ensured. Proper security is already in place,” he said.
Allahabad University proctor Prof Ram Sevak Dubey said the university and its constituent colleges would remain closed on Wednesday on account of Mahashivratri. “Additional security arrangements will be in place,” said additional superintendent of police (ASP) Vinit Jaiswal, who also heads anti-Romeo squads in Allahabad.
“All police stations have been instructed to maintain vigil at public places. Policemen have been directed not to disturb couples,” Jaiswal added.
‘AGAINST V-DAY, BUT NO MORAL POLICING’
Office-bearers of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and the Bajrang Dal said they had no plans to discourage youngsters from celebrating the day.
“We have received no directions from senior office-bearers,” said national coordinator of the VHP Manoj Verma.
“We are busy with the Ram Rajya Rath Yatra that will take off from Ayodhya. So far as the Valentine’s Day is concerned, we maintain it is a western concept and we don’t support it. However, we are not going to play the moral police either,” a Lucknow-based VHP office-bearer said.
He said with the BJP government in power, the cadre would not engage in any activity that could create any controversy. “In case someone creates trouble, we will disassociate ourselves with them. In any case, no one can take full responsibility for each and every activist. However, there is no call from the organisation as such,” he said.