Security beefed up at Ludhiana railway station amid rail roko call by SFJ

The government railway police have received 41 additional police personnel to increase the patrolling and guard crucial points at Ludhiana railway station following an intelligence alert regarding the rail roko call by a banned terror outfit, Sikhs for Justice

The security at the Ludhiana railway station has been beefed up following an intelligence alert regarding the rail roko call by a banned terror outfit, Sikhs for Justice (SFJ). The government railway police (GRP) have received 41 additional police personnel to increase the patrolling and guard crucial points.

Security at the Ludhiana Railway station has been heightened and additional police force has been deployed at important points on Thursday. (Manish/HT)

Police said Gurpatwant Singh Pannu, founder of the SFJ, has called for the rail roko protest on April 29 in support of Amritpal Singh of Waris Punjab De, who is currently lodged in Dibrugarh jail under the National Security Act.

Government railway police stations and police posts across the state have been alerted and patrolling along the railway tracks has been increased. The additional force deployed at the railway station includes a sub-inspector, five constables and 35 home guards who will assist the GRP which has a strength of around 110 officials.

A team of the local police along with CRPF personnel also conducted a checking at the railway station.

Deputy superintendent of police Balram Rana said a meeting with the local police was held where instructions were given to be on alert for the coming three days. He added that officials have been deployed near the Tricolour and other crucial points.

He added that police duties have been increased to 12 hours from 8 to 10 hours for the three days. He said officers have been issued strict guidelines to keep an eye on anti-social elements.

Police hold flag march

The Ludhiana Police conducted a flag march in various parts of the city on Thursday. The police personnel along with paramilitary forces conducted marches in markets and other public places.

Inspector Sanjeev Kapoor, SHO, police station Division Number 1, said that the police conducted flag marches in areas, including Chaura Bazar, Bhadaur House, Clock Tower, and Railway Station Road. The police reviewed security arrangements in the area.

He said the motive behind conducting the flag march was to infuse confidence among the locals and to assure the public that the police are there for their safety and security.

The police have asked the locals to stay alert and inform the police if they find anything suspicious.