News APP

NewsApp (Free)

Read news as it happens
Download NewsApp

Available on  gplay

This article was first published 21 years ago
Rediff.com  » News » Heavy security arrangements greet Mumbaikars

Heavy security arrangements greet Mumbaikars

By Priyanka Jain in Mumbai
December 06, 2002 15:42 IST
Get Rediff News in your Inbox:

Heavy security arrangements greeted Mumbaikars on railway stations on Friday morning on the 10th anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition.

With Eid-ul Fitr and Ambedkar Jayanti also falling on the same day, and close to 15 hoax calls about bombs on Thursday, the police are not taking any chances and are out in full force.

Fifteen Railway Protection Force jawans have been deployed at all main railway stations, including Churchgate, Grant Road, Dadar, Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus [CST], Vashi and Thane, and six jawans each on smaller stops, Senior RPF Inspector Narayanrav Rajguru said.

"The stations have been cleaned and no plastic bags and litter can be seen at the platforms. The station authorities are in constant touch with the Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad," he said.

Sniffer dogs have also been pressed into service, he added.

Assistant Security Commissioner of the Railway Protection Force, Dadar, Rajan Dutt said special arrangements have been made in the station, as around 200,000 people are expected to visit the Chaitya Bhumi -- Ambedkar's Memorial behind Shivaji Park -- in Dadar.

The officer said the arrangements would instill a sense of confidence among the people.

Asked if she was apprehensive about travelling after the bomb scares, Ria Chaturvedi, a passenger, said, "Whatever has to happen will happen, I can't postpone my work for the next day. I am little more careful today. That's it."

"We earn our bread on a day to day basis," Jaggu, a paper vendor outside the Churchgate station said. "We can't stop our work due to hoax calls. Aur phir abhi to kuch khas hua bhi nahi hai to darr kis baat ka?"

Related Reports:

Get Rediff News in your Inbox:
Priyanka Jain in Mumbai
 
India Votes 2024

India Votes 2024