CCTV cameras in sensitive areas of Batala, Gurdaspur, Pathankot, IB

CCTV cameras will soon be installed at key locations, including near Indo-Pak border, by the Punjab police as part of its plans to enhance surveillance and security in wake of the two major terror strikes in the state in the past one year.

"CCTV (Cameras) will be installed in Batala, Gurdaspur and Pathankot areas for which outlay of Rs 75 lakh will be spent," a police official said on Tuesday. He said the plan is to install CCTV cameras also near Indo-Pak international border, at inter-state border areas, in cities and other sensitive locations for keeping a vigil.

The state police expect the work of installing the CCTV cameras would be completed in 2-3 months.

Besides, security along the 107-km long Amritsar-Pathankot railway track has been strengthened by the state government railway police, SP (GRP), Lakhwinderpal Singh said.

"We have planned to set up 24 beats on the track to keep a vigil on anti-social elements. Regular checking will be carried out with the assistance of district police in order to ward off any security threat," he said.

Notably, five live bombs were found near a bridge on Amritsar-Pathankor rail track last year when terrorists had struck Dinanagar in Gurdaspur district in July last year. In January this year, terrorists had attacked Pathankot airbase in which seven security personnel were killed.