Will not let jihadis set up bases in the state: Assam DGP Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Assam's DGP Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta has termed the Independence Day boycott call from the ULFA-I (United Liberation Front of Assam-Independent) as nothing new. He, however, expressed pleasure at the fact that the people want to celebrate Independence Day in a befitting manner.

On the jihadi front, the DGP said, "We have arrested 33 jihadis since March this year. They were trying to set up bases in the State. We won't let that happen. We are arresting jihadis with confirmed information and evidence. We don't crack down on all madrassas. Only the madrassas which involve themselves in jihadi activities are on our radar."

He said that the Assam Police would make all arrangements to make the Independence Day celebration peaceful and incident-free.

The state government is making all arrangements to celebrate the 75th Independence Day centrally at the Veterinary College Playground at Khanapara here. The DGP inspected the Veterinary College ground on Thursday.

Mahanta told the media, "As many as 15 platoons will participate in the Independence Day parade. A team under IGP Anurag Agarwala has been working hard for a noteworthy display at the parade. Since we celebrate Independence Day in the Kamrup (M) district centrally at Khanapara, this celebration will have diverse attractions. We have also asked other districts to enrich their parade and celebrations."

The DGP said, "One of the attractions at Khanapara will be the daredevil girl riders. I have seen their rehearsal today. They are doing very well. I hope they will perform equally well on D-Day. It speaks volumes about women empowerment."

On security arrangements, the DGP said, "We have beefed up all security arrangements with the installation of an adequate number of CCTV cameras and deployment of security personnel. Cybercrimes and crimes against women are on the rise. We are committed to freeing society from such crimes. The state police force is alert. We won't allow wrongdoers to escape our watchful eyes. Independence Day boycott call is a routine call from the ULFA-I. The silver lining amidst the I-Day boycott call is that the people are eager to celebrate Independence Day in a befitting manner. The police force will put up a security shield to enable the public celebrate."

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