Thackeray better but Mumbai security to remain high

Even as the city returned to normal, security remained tight for the third day as thousands of party workers continued streaming into the city from all parts of the state as news of Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray's ill health spread. HT reports.

Even as the city returned to normal, security remained tight for the third day as thousands of party workers continued streaming into the city from all parts of the state as news of Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray's ill health spread.

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The present scale of police deployment will be maintained for some time. "Although Shiv Sena leaders are saying that Thackeray is stable, workers continue to come into the city and as a precautionary measure, our present deployment will continue," said a senior official from the Mumbai police.

Officials said they were now rotating the staff posted at Matoshree, Thackeray's residence at Kalanagar, and in other areas in eight-hour shifts. Staff at police station was also now being allowed to take some time off on rotation.

However, police stations continue to maintain more than 60% of its staff around the clock as a precautionary measure to deal with any situation. Three companies of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and state reserve police force are already deployed in the city. An additional 2,000-strong force from outside the city is also being posted in the city.

Officials said that the leave of all officers and constabulary has been cancelled and all had reported to duty by noon on Thursday. Their leave will stand cancelled till further notice.

There is still heavy deployment at many sensitive areas, which are likely to be affected because of rumour-mongering. Also, Sena strongholds such as Dadar and Parel have larger police presence.

Officials have requested the public to be calm and assured there is no law and order problem in the city.