A HIGH alert has been sounded across the State ahead of the Republic Day.
The police have intensified vigil across the State in view of the arrest of five Naxalites in Bhopal in the recent past. In districts that are infested with Naxalism, the police have stepped up vigilance.
Apprehensions that the ultra-leftists may strike somewhere in the State, have made the police extra watchful.
Security has been beefed up at all vital installations. The Police Headquarters have issued directions to all the Inspector Generals of Police (IGPs) and Superintendents of Police (SPs) across the State for upgrading security and undertaking search operations.
In Balaghat, Mandla, Dindori, Shahdol, Umaria and Anuppur – the Naxalite-affected districts, the police are conducting search operations. Owing to acts of reprisal by Naxalites in other states after the arrest of their top leaders, the police are on guard in the State.
In urban areas, Special Armed Forces and Rapid Action Force personnel have also been deployed.
A security blanket has been thrown around the Lal Parade Ground in the State capital.
The police are undertaking patrolling and combing operations. Besides, the railway station, bus stands and lodges are under observation.