Article 370: Haryana on alert, officers asked to ensure safety of Kashmiri students, people in state

After the Centre scrapped Article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, Haryana Police issued an alert asking its officers to increase vigil and take steps for the safety of Kashmiri people in the state, even as the chief secretary reviewed the security situation.

Haryana Chief Secretary Keshni Anand Arora held a video conference here with all divisional commissioners, range inspector generals of police, deputy commissioners and superintendents of police and directed them to maintain law and order in the state, an official spokesperson said.

An alert was issued across the state by the Haryana Police in the wake of the Centre's move. Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) Navdeep Singh Virk said all police commissioners and district police superintendents were asked to strengthen security at bus stands and railway stations.

"Steps must be taken to ensure the safety of Kashmiri students not only at their places of education or stay but also if they decide to head back home," Virk added.

In view of the possibility of anti-national elements disrupting the peace, police officers have been directed to take necessary precautions and to mobilise all possible resources to avoid any eventuality or unlawful act in the state, he said.

Police presence in crowded or vulnerable areas should be increased until August 17, 2019. Apart from this, adequate security, traffic and law and order arrangements should be made at sensitive places, Virk told the officers.

Meanwhile, Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Navraj Sandhu also issued an advisory, directing officials to maintain law and order in the state.

Divisional commissioners, deputy commissioners and superintendents of police were directed to ensure safety and security of all individuals hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, particularly students, studying in various parts of the state.

Law enforcement agencies have been placed on high alert to pre-empt any breach of security and public order. All necessary measures should be taken to maintain communal amity, Sandhu said.

"Abundant caution be exercised regarding false, malicious and unverified messages, that can disturb public tranquillity, both in electronic and print media and social media and people should be made aware through media," she said.

Virk said police officers have been asked to increase security at bus stands and railway stations. The ADGP said the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has issued an advisory to all security forces for remaining on alert following revocation of Article 370.