On the eve of I-Day, state sounds alert

Kolkata, August 14 The Centre has asked the West Bengal Police to issue a high alert in the state, especially in the northern part of the state on the eve of Independence Day since ULFA and other separatist forces were active there, sources in the home department said.

Three districts of Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling and Cooch Behar have already been placed on high alert and additional personnel have been deployed there, sources said.

In Kolkata, the police have increased surveillance in places like malls, metro stations, government offices and the Victoria Memorial.

“We will be basically monitoring places which are major entry and exit points like New Jalpaiguri, Howrah and Sealdah railway stations. We will be conducting random check of train coaches. Besides, bomb disposal squad will be deployed at important stations,” said Raj Kanojia, IG law and order. He added that long distance bus terminals will be monitored and buses will be checked.

Kolkata airport has also been out on alert, as visitors have been debarred from entering the airport premises. Cars are not being allowed to park close to the airport building. Apart from these, the police will be monitoring public paces like hospitals, markets and important roads.