Amritsar on High Alert as Security Tightened Amid Festive Season

by Parminder Singh Sodhi

AI Generated Summary

  • In the latest operation on Monday, the BSF recovered two AK-47 rifles, a pistol, and live ammunition near the International Border, foiling yet another attempt to push weapons into Indian territory.
  • As the city lights up in celebration, its security forces remain on constant watch — determined to ensure that joy, not fear, marks the festival atmosphere in Amritsar.
  • Over the past few weeks, several drone-borne consignments carrying heroin and arms have been intercepted in the Amritsar and Tarn Taran sectors, underscoring the persistence of cross-border smuggling attempts.

With the festive season underway and ongoing cross-border threats, Amritsar has been placed under an extensive security blanket. The city remains on high alert following multiple recoveries of weapons and narcotics smuggled from across the Pakistan border in recent weeks.

Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar confirmed that all officers have been ordered to stay on the ground and personally oversee security arrangements across sensitive zones.
“Special nakas have been set up at all entry and exit points, and checking of vehicles and suspicious individuals has been intensified,” Bhullar said. Police have also stepped up surveillance on history-sheeters and recently released offenders to prevent any possible disturbance during the festivities.

Massive Deployment and Coordination

More than 4,000 police personnel have been deployed throughout Amritsar, assisted by a company of the Border Security Force (BSF). Authorities have cancelled all police leaves, directing personnel to report back to duty immediately.

These heightened measures stem from a recent high-level security review meeting chaired by Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav in Amritsar. Yadav ordered that all border districts — including Amritsar — remain on maximum alert to counter potential smuggling operations and terror threats during the celebrations.

Fresh Arms Recovery Along the Border

In the latest operation on Monday, the BSF recovered two AK-47 rifles, a pistol, and live ammunition near the International Border, foiling yet another attempt to push weapons into Indian territory. Over the past few weeks, several drone-borne consignments carrying heroin and arms have been intercepted in the Amritsar and Tarn Taran sectors, underscoring the persistence of cross-border smuggling attempts.

Vigil Stepped Up at Key Religious and Public Sites

Authorities have layered additional security at prominent religious and public places, including the Golden Temple, Durgiana Temple, railway station, bus terminal, and Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International Airport. Patrols have been intensified in and around these sites, with special attention to crowded areas.

Public Urged to Stay Alert

The police have appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious persons or unattended belongings. “Public cooperation is vital for ensuring a peaceful and joyous festive season,” an official statement from the police department read.

As the city lights up in celebration, its security forces remain on constant watch — determined to ensure that joy, not fear, marks the festival atmosphere in Amritsar.

Parminder Singh Sodhi

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