The Punjab police, whose role was questioned during the terrorist attack on the Pathankot military base in which six security personnel were killed two years ago, now claims to have created a second line of defence to strengthen its position along the border with Pakistan.
Even as questions remain if these arrangements are enough to thwart any bid of infiltration by terrorists, senior police officials claim that as compared to the situation during Pathankot attack, the force is better equipped.
The police deployment in the sensitive border zones has increased manifold, and more bulletproof SUVs, tractors, night-vision devices have been purchased. “Strengthening of nakas as per ‘second line of defence’ has been done. All these nakas have been made cemented. Though only God knows if these arrangements are enough to deal with any attack, at least these are good preparations we have made that were not there during the Pathankot attack,” said a senior official.
The police have permanently posted two battalions of cops in the second line of defence and shifted 4th Indian reserve Battalion from Kapurthala to Pathankot. A post of assistant inspector general (AIG), counter-intelligence, has also been created in Pathankot. Sources said police have installed cameras in sensitive zones, especially along the rivers.
The state government has also announced to set-up an anti-terrorist squad (ATS) for which training has already started at the Bahadurgarh Training Centre in Patiala.
News Source: http://www.hindustantimes.com
