Tight security for Independence Day in Karnataka

Security has been tightened across Karnataka, especially in Bengaluru and all districts for peaceful celebrations of the 70th Independence Day on Monday, police said.

"Additional forces have been deployed at the venues where the national flag will be hoisted besides holding parade and cultural activities across the state," a senior police official told IANS here on Sunday.

Security personnel have been positioned at vital installations to prevent any untoward incident and patrolling has been stepped up to maintain law and order.

As part of the security arrangements, 40 platoons of the state reserve police, two platoons of Rapid Action Force and one battalion of the Garuda Commando Force are on duty at the Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw parade ground in the city centre, Bengaluru police commissioner N.S. Megharik said on the occasion.

Though there has been no specific alert from the intelligence agencies, 40 closed circuit television cameras have been installed around the venue (parade ground) along with a bomb squad and a dog squad to ensure fool-proof security.

"Parking 1 km around the venue will be banned from 8 a.m. to noon and vehicular movement will be regulated to prevent traffic jam in the city centre," Megharik said.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will unfurl the tricolour and receive the guard of honour from about 2,000 men and women representing 54 contingents of police units, Scouts & Guides, National Cadet Corps (NCC), Fire Brigade and Home Guards.

"An army helicopter will shower rose petals over the ground from mid air to greet the people for the occasion and herald the celebrations," city corporation commissioner chairman N. Manjunath Prasad told reporters here.

Karnataka Governor Vajubhai R. Vala will host a get-together for freedom fighters, their families and special invitees, at Raj Bhavan in the city centre.

Cabinet ministers and deputy commissioners will preside over the function and address the gathering in the districts across the state.

--IANS

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