Hyderabad police intensify vigil at religious sites amid centre’s advisory on internal security

Night duty officers at the local, divisional, and zonal levels have been instructed to make mandatory visits and inspections of key places of worship within their respective jurisdictions during nighttime hours.

Hyderabad: With the union government advising all States to maintain extra vigilance to prevent any internal disturbances, the Hyderabad police have stepped up its surveillance around religious places to foil attempts by unsocial elements to foment communal trouble.

The night duty officers at local, divisional, zonal level have been asked to compulsorily visit and check the important places of worship in their assigned jurisdictions in the night.

The police higher ups also directed the local patrolling teams to thoroughly conduct anti desecration checks at all religious places in early hours of the day before the people start visiting the premises to offer prayers.

“The objective of the pre-dawn anti-desecration drill is to ensure that if any unwanted thing is placed by miscreants, it is removed immediately before the public notices it. In case any damage is noticed to the religious place, it should be immediately rectified or senior officials alerted immediately so as to take steps to prevent any trouble,” said an official of Hyderabad police.

The police patrol vehicles carry lathis, stone guards, helmets to protect themselves. They also are carrying saffron flags and green cloth / chaddar, paint boxes and some other articles to replace or take up repairs of damage to any religious flag posts or shrines.

“Prompt action if initiated in situations that have potential to trigger communal trouble will nip the trouble in the bud itself. So, in present circumstances we have directed the patrol parties to thoroughly conduct the anti-desecration drills and keep a watch on persons who have a history of indulging in communal activities,” said another official.

The city police are on high alert following the recent developments between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam massacre. The police have increased its surveillance at vital installations, army cantonments, and important government offices.

There are also fears of sympathizers or agents of the enemy country creating internal disturbances in the country resulting in heightened caution on part of the security and law and order forces.