Maharashtra on high alert amid border tensions

Maharashtra and its capital Mumbai have been put on high alert' in the wake of the rising tensions on the country's north-west border, official sources said here on Wednesday.

Heightened security was seen in Mumbai, the commercial capital of the country. Police vigil has been enhanced in Pune, Nagpur, Aurangabad, Nashik and Kolhapur as well. The government is ensuring there is no disturbance to the ongoing HSC (Class XII) examinations in the state.

In Mumbai, the tension was palpable on city roads and highways where random checks were being carried out in private and commercial vehicles, BEST or private buses.

Security was tightened at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), major stations and terminals of Western Railway, Central Railway, Konkan Railway, suburban railway stations with high footfalls, bus depots and other sensitive installations in and around the city.

Police checks have also been intensified at the CSMIA, cargo complex and major hotels in its vicinity, and armed police and dog squads were scrutinising the luggage of passengers at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT), Dadar Terminus, Lokmanya Tilak Terminus from where most long-distance trains arrive or depart.

Increased patrolling was seen at important government and private residential and commercial establishments including the Mantralaya, the Legislature Building, headquarters of banks, airlines, shipping companies, luxury hotels, malls and multiplexes, top tourist destinations, places of worship, educational institutions, etc.

--IANS

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