N Bengal on alert.... Security beefed up after Assam carnage

SNS, Siliguri, 24 December 2014: After suspected militants of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (Songbijit) killed over 50 people in neighbouring Assam, security has been beefed up in some parts of north Bengal and police stations bordering Assam have been put on alert.

More than 50 persons were killed in Sonitpur and Kokrajhar districts in Assam yesterday.

The incident has also affected private bus services from Siliguri to Assam.

Inspector general of police, North Bengal, Jawed Shamim, said security has been tightened following the incident.

“Naka checks have been intensified in areas close to the Assam border. Police are on alert to prevent any flare up here, and adequate steps have been taken to avoid any untoward incident and to maintain law and order,” Mr Shamim said.

“At the same time, we are keeping a close tab on persons to check any influx from Assam.

We are in touch with our Assam counterparts,” he added.

Siliguri Metropolitan Police (SMP) commissioner Jag Mohan said police stations have been put on alert.

"Frisking of vehicles at entry and exit points of the SMP area has been intensified. Police personnel have been deployed in and around important installations. Quick Reaction Teams (QRT) have been deployed, and the special security measures would remain till 1 January," he said. The QRTs, equipped with automatic weapons, have been deployed at three points under the SMP area. The SMP covers five police stations.

"This apart, to ensure peaceful celebrations of Christmas and New Year, steps have been taken to curb drink driving and the traffic police would conduct a special drive. We have received two breath analysers to check alcohol consumption while driving. Women police personnel have also been deployed in the town for special security measures for 24 and 25 December and 1 January," the police chief said.

Police officers said incidents of drink driving are common during such festivals and celebrations.

"Every year, police take adequate measures to prevent those activities," said a police officer. The Darjeeling District Assam Bus Owners' and Booking Agent Association, meanwhile, said the number of buses plying between Siliguri and Assam has gone down as compared to normal days.

"Around 20 Northeast-bound buses ply on this route, but following the killings in Assam, only a handful of buses are plying. Some of our buses are stranded midway," said the secretary of the organization, Bappa Bhowmik.