Title - December 6 alert in Puducherry

Alert has been sounded across the Union Territory in view of the anniversary of Babri Masjid demolition day which falls on Thursday.Security has been beefed up as a precautionary measure in and around Puducherry. A special security plan has been drawn up to prevent untoward incidents. All police stations, and the Coastal Security Group which mans a few marine stations in Puducherry and Karaikal, have been put on alert.The police, including India Reserve Battalion (IRB) and Railway Protection Force (RPF), have carried out surprise checks at various places. Passengers are being frisked at various check-points, including exit and entry gates of railway stations.Policemen conducted random checks at parcel centres, waiting halls and others. Parking lots and railway tracks were also brought under the scanner. Hotels and lodges are being closely monitored . Administrators of hotels and lodges in Puducherry, which receive large number of tourists, have been asked to collect all details about the guests before allocating rooms.Police personnel have been posted at the Secretariat, Raj Nivas, Territorial Assembly, All India Radio and Doordarshan stations to monitor the movement of suspicious characters.

I.D. Shukla, Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Puducherry, told The Hindu on Wednesday that instructions have been given to the personnel on duty to avoid being complacent. Anti-sabotage checks would be conducted by security personnel at various places.

Marine policemen were also put on alert to conduct patrolling along the Puducherry and Karaikal coasts.

Ramaraj, Superintendent of Police, said that a few organisations had sought permission to conduct demonstration on the occasion. As the model code of conduct was in place following the announcement of local body elections, they were asked to get the permission of Area Returning Officer. However, security would be tightened at important junctions.