Chandigarh, Feb 14 (IANS) Over 900 police personnel spread out over Chandigarh Tuesday - the reason? Security for the Valentine's Day.
Police say they intend to stop any hooliganism that might break out, but would not interefre with celebrations.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Ashish Kapoor said, "Since Tuesday morning, 900 police officers have been deputed at 157 locations. All the roads surrounding schools, colleges, university and hotels are under strict security."
"If anybody disobeys any traffic rules or is found harassing others, they will be dealt with under law."
Kapoor said, "We just do not want any mishap. All I want to say on behalf of Chandigarh police is 'celebrate the day peacefully'."
Some students were in favour of the high police presence.
Bikramjeet Singh of DAV College said, "Though it is a little annoying that we have more security officials than students in the college every Valentine's, it is for the best. Some elements go berserk and have to be dealt with."
Shopkeepers, however, differed.
Kailash, who works at a take-away restaurant, said, "I have been here for a decade and I have not seen any violent activity on Valentine's. However, our sale goes up every year this day."
At Panjab University, only one gate was accessible and others had been closed.
Tapish Malik, a student of Department of Biophysics, said, "My classmate is stuck in a half-kilometre-long jam at the university entrance. The hostel gates are also blocked and our movement affected."
The chief security officer of the Panjab University, Vijay Pal Yadav said, "Keeping past incidents in mind, we have just taken precautionary measures. The residents of girls hostels and others going to their respective departments should feel safe".
Police say they intend to stop any hooliganism that might break out, but would not interefre with celebrations.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Ashish Kapoor said, "Since Tuesday morning, 900 police officers have been deputed at 157 locations. All the roads surrounding schools, colleges, university and hotels are under strict security."
"If anybody disobeys any traffic rules or is found harassing others, they will be dealt with under law."
Kapoor said, "We just do not want any mishap. All I want to say on behalf of Chandigarh police is 'celebrate the day peacefully'."
Some students were in favour of the high police presence.
Bikramjeet Singh of DAV College said, "Though it is a little annoying that we have more security officials than students in the college every Valentine's, it is for the best. Some elements go berserk and have to be dealt with."
Shopkeepers, however, differed.
Kailash, who works at a take-away restaurant, said, "I have been here for a decade and I have not seen any violent activity on Valentine's. However, our sale goes up every year this day."
At Panjab University, only one gate was accessible and others had been closed.
Tapish Malik, a student of Department of Biophysics, said, "My classmate is stuck in a half-kilometre-long jam at the university entrance. The hostel gates are also blocked and our movement affected."
The chief security officer of the Panjab University, Vijay Pal Yadav said, "Keeping past incidents in mind, we have just taken precautionary measures. The residents of girls hostels and others going to their respective departments should feel safe".
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