Security beefed up in UP for festive season

An alert has been sounded and security beefed up in Uttar Pradesh in the wake of the festival season, a senior police officer said here today.
"Detailed directives for security arrangements for Diwali, Bhai Dooj and Chhatt festivals have been given," IG (law and order) A Satish Ganesh said.
He said it has been directed to ensure maximum police presence at places frequented by people for shopping during festivals like malls and markets.
"Secondly, as a lot of movement is through trains and buses during this season, it has been directed to ensure adequate security arrangements at railway and bus stations," Ganesh said, adding that it has been directed to maintain a special vigil on the movement of people at these places.

Thirdly, to curb fire-related incidents, the department has been asked to keep their equipment ready for prompt action. "32 companies of PAC and eight companies of Rapid Action Force (RAF) have been deployed in major cities."
He said the state has also requested the Centre to provide central paramilitary force for panchayat polls.