Siliguri, 14th August: Security arrangements have been tightened in Siliguri ahead of the 80th Independence Day on August 15. Given its strategic location in the ‘Chicken Neck’ corridor, the city is considered sensitive from a security perspective.
Siliguri Metropolitan Police have increased surveillance in border areas, hotels, railway stations, bus stands and other crowded locations. Intelligence teams have also been activated as part of the security arrangements.
Meanwhile, ‘Simba’, a trained explosive detection dog from the Dog Squad, was deployed along with a special police team for security checks. On Friday, Simba began the checking operation at Bagdogra Airport, following which searches were conducted at City Centre Mall in Matigara, the bus stand, railway station and several other important locations.
Simba received specialised training in Barrackpore and has been deployed with the Siliguri Police Commissionerate for the past two years. Trained to detect explosive substances, Simba plays an important role in security arrangements during occasions such as Independence Day and Republic Day.
Siliguri Metropolitan Police have stepped up security measures ahead of August 15 and are prepared to deal with any emergency situation.