Flagmarch to ensure peace

VADODARA, Sept 22: The police and paramitary forces held the 8220;longest ever8221; flagmarch in sensitive areas of the city on Wednesday as security preparation in the run-up to the Ganapati immersion on Friday. The march was flagged off by Commissioner of Police J Mahapatra from Nazar Baug Palace near Mandvigate. Thgirty-five police and paramiliatary vehicles, including women8217;s wing of the Rapid Action Force RAF, participated in the march. Beginning from Mandvigate, the march terminated at Polo Grounds after traversing through sensitive areas of the old city. 8220;It was the longest ever march conducted by the police in the city,8221; an old police official said.

Although refusing to divulge the exact figure of forces deployed for security duty on the concluding day of the festival, Mahapatra said several companies of RAF, State Reserve Police Force, thousands of home guards and security personnel from railway police and other departments had been put on security duty in various parts of the city. He said that as many as 10 commandants from SRP and police institutes will also be deployed for security duty in Vadodara city. A senior official said security had been tightened this year as the immersion ceremony coincides with Friday, when Muslims offer congregational prayers in mosques. Mahapatra said the security personnel will hold a rehearsal of the operations on Thursday. 8220;Police is in full strength and can take care of any situation8221;, he said.

Mahapatra held a joint-meeting with influential leaders of the two communities in Ladwada mohalla and appealed them to ensure that the festival passed off peacefully. 8220;Response of the leaders was very good,8221; he said, adding that 8220;everyone attending the meeting expressed full cooperation with the police.8221;