In the wake of the recent blasts in Pune, the police force is leaving no stone unturned to make the city safe and secured.
In the wake of the recent blasts in Pune, the police force is leaving no stone unturned to make the city safe and secured. However, citizens too should support the administration and remain cautious to avoid any untoward incident during the festival season. DNA brings you opinions of Puneites.
Installing CCTVs and not monitoring them won’t help
The city police must work out a strategy and take measures to avert terrorist attacks. Some of the corporators insisted on installing CCTV cameras at strategic positions in the city. It is a good idea but just installing CCTVs and not monitoring them does not serve any purpose. There has to be a mechanism in place for someone to constantly follow-up the leads. Police don’t have the funds to install CCTVs and manpower to carry out extensive follow-up work.
I agree that our resources are limited, but a proper planning will surely go a long way in keeping the city safe. The reality is that many places in the city need vigilance but the police manpower is not enough. So, it is not practically possible to keep a watch throughout.
There is no point in blaming the police. The question is with festivities around the corner, do we have a safety plan? What are the measures the city’s mandals are taking for the upcoming Ganesh festival as the police cannot manage completely on their own. The police, Pune Municipal Corporation, organisations and citizens have to be vigilant and cautious and follow a common strategy to avert such attacks from happening.
Shashikant Pitre, Major Gen (retd)
Banks must keep a tab on benami accounts
As part of security measures there are some developments in the pipeline but it has not materialised yet. Sophisticated devices are being invented for early detection and neutralisation of bombs. If there is a congregation of people and there are sufficient remote sensor devices, it becomes possible to detect and avert such bomb attacks. In fact, Pune should take a lead as all the new developments are happening right here in the city. The city police are doing their duty efficiently and some of their strategies cannot be made public for security reasons. Those who are involved in terror activities are funded on a very large scale. Banks must look out for benami accounts as these funds are probably deposited in such accounts.
BJ Misar, former DGP
Increase security at public places
Pune is being targeted because of its strategic proximity to the Indian financial capital Mumbai. Also, its own image as the educational hub and an emerging industrial centre with a cosmopolitan population makes it an ideal target for terrorists. Since Pune is vulnerable to attacks, the responsibilities of security agencies have increased manifold. The police department must increase security at public places like the railway station, bus stands, malls, industrial centres, religious places and gardens among others to avoid terrorist attack, especially now keeping in mind the various festivities around the corner.
Abdul Khadeer Taj, professor (retd), dept of defence and strategic studies, UoP
Cooperate during security checks
We have received a circular from Pune Police giving directives on security measures. We have increased our security staff and instructed them to be extra cautious. Security guards maintain a vigil while guarding the premises from suspicious persons, activities or abandoned bags. In the parking lot, all the incoming cars and two-wheelers are thoroughly checked. There are metal detectors installed at the entrance of the premises. My only concern is that citizens do not equally cooperate for security checks; especially ladies are not willing to show their purses and handbags. Citizens must be a little patient and allow security checks in order to ensure safety of everyone.
Rishikesh Chaphalkar, proprietor, City Pride
Scrutinise the background of tenants
To avoid any unpleasant incidents, we regularly carry out checking at lodges and hotels. Also, additional manpower from State Reserve Police Force has been provided to help us in patrolling. We are also actively inspecting and conducting mock drills at various malls, hotels, restaurants and multiplexes. If we find any security lapses in any of these places, we suggest the owners to take appropriate measures. We have approached Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to remove encroachment on the footpaths so that the pedestrians can walk freely and we can monitor the busy roads effectively. We have also asked the PMC to avoid giving parking space on busy roads. We are holding meetings with the citizens and have tied up with peace committees as well. We appeal to the citizens that if they find any abandoned bags or a suspicious person, then please inform us at our police control room or log on to our website wwwpunepolice.gov.in.
Also, owners before giving houses on rent must scrutinise the background of the tenants and should have vital information of them like the office address, contact number and identity proof and submit the same to the nearest police station.
Sanjeev kumar Singhal, Joint Commissioner of Police (Law & Order)
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