Security beefed up in Amritsar ahead of Independence Day celebrations

Tribune News Service

Amritsar, August 14

The Punjab Police have beefed up security arrangements in view of the 78th Independence Day (I-Day) celebrations.

Cabinet Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian would be the chief guest during the district-level I-Day function at Guru Nanak Stadium here. He would unfurl the national flag on the occasion. Heavy police has been deputed at every entry and exit point of the stadium. Over 3,000 cops have been deployed on roads to ensure complete law and order.

The Punjab Police have already been on alert in view of the sighting of suspected Pakistani intruders in the Gurdaspur area. Besides, the police have confiscated arms smuggled from Pakistan.

Yesterday, two Tarn Taran-based residents were arrested with four 9mm Glock pistols. The police also nabbed a youth with three pistols smuggled by the anti-national elements from the neighbouring country yesterday evening.

Ranjit Singh Dhillon, Police Commissioner (CP), said, “Special nakas have been laid on various roads. Flag march are being held in different parts of the city. Police teams are checking outsiders staying in hotels and keeping a watch over suspicious elements.”

Meanwhile, the police have issued traffic diversion plans so that people do not face any problem while commuting tomorrow. The stretch heading from Tylor Road to Doaba Chowk Road would be closed for normal traffic from 8 am till the finishing of the programme at Guru Nanak Stadium. Similarly, road heading from Crystal Chowk to Lawrence Road Chowk would be closed for normal traffic which would be diverted from Crystal Chowk to backside of Company Bagh to Batala Road and Majitha road.

Vehicles of the people, who would participate in the programme, would be parked at vacant places in Company Bagh and Aanum Theatre.

Meanwhile, farmer organisations under the banner of Kisan Mazdoor Sangharsh Committee would be holding a tractor march tomorrow from in favour of their demands. The police today shared the route plan while advising people to avoid roads from which the tractor march would pass.

Dhaliwal to hoist flag in Tarn Taran

Cabinet Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal would unfurl the Tricolour on the 78th Independence Day district-level function to be organised at the Police Lines ground on Thursday. Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Kumar said the minister would take salute from the contingents of the Punjab Police, women police personnel, Home Guards and school students. He said students would present a cultural programme on the occasion.