Tirupati: Border districts put on high alert

TIRUPATI: Soon after the Central Government scrapped Article 370 that gives Special Status to Jammu & Kashmir, high alert (based on non-specific inputs) has been sounded at the tail-end district of Andhra Pradesh, Chittoor, that shares border with Tamil Nadu and Karnataka states.

Similarly, the famed holy destinations in the state — Tirupati and Tirumala, are also being taken care of by the Police Department in order to ensure no untoward incidents take place here. As a result of this, security checks at bus stands, railway stations and all entry and exit points at the state border and Tirumala have been made stringent and is taking more time.

According to the sources, the State Police Headquarters has issued necessary directives and alerted all SPs and DIGs in the state to ensure that law and order is strictly maintained, following the amendment of Article 370 of the Constitution. The department has activated the intelligence system in view of possible instigations by some quarters, which may affect fundamental rights of some sections in the society.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Chittoor SP Venkata Appalanaidu said: “After receiving proper directions from the higher ups, security has been tightened at all the divisions across the district. We have been keeping a strong tab on some suspected groups which may try to provoke some sections, further leading to any untoward incidents”.  

Maintaining that proper instructions have been already given to various police division heads to ensure no untoward incidents take place, Appalanaidu said that the department has kept additional forces in a stand-by position to be deployed at the hour of crisis and also policemen are keeping a close watch on sensitive areas in the district.

“We have cancelled permissions for protests that may further create trouble to the law and order situation in the district. We do respect people’s rights and will allow them to stage protest for their causes but not in a manner, affecting other’s fundamental rights. However, so far, no untoward incidents were reported in the district”, he added.