Uttar Pradesh police on alert after Art 370 scrapped

Strict directives were issued to Uttar Pradesh Police officials on Monday to maintain utmost vigil in order to ensure peace and order in the state in the wake of the government scrapping Article 370 of the Constitution.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah moved a resolution in the Rajya Sabha on Monday to abolish Article 370 of the Constitution, which accorded special status to Jammu and Kashmir, after the president issued a notification, and introduced a Bill to divide the state into two separate union territories of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.

"The DGP has directed zonal, divisional and district level officials concerned to maintain necessary vigil in the sensitive areas and ensure deployment of requisite force," a police release issued here said.

Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police O P Singh has also directed for foolproof security arrangements for people of Kashmiri origin anywhere in the state so as to make sure that they are not subjected to any misbehavior, it said.

Precautions need to be taken against spread of rumours or misinformation through social media and immediate correction as also action against those involved in it must be ensured, the release said.

The DGP also directed that no motorcycle rally or procession be allowed and attempts to hold dharnas or protest by political outfits and their supporters be intimated to officials.

The directives have already been issued in view of the approaching festival season with Bakrid, last Monday of the holy month of Shrawan and Independence Day, the release said.

Police personnel have been asked to constantly be on the move and stay alert, it added.