Tight police cover assigned to Delhi's churches

New Delhi: The Delhi Police has made elaborate security arrangements including the deployment of adequate security personnel at all the churches in the national capital for Christmas.

In a view of heightened security, Delhi Police also held meetings with their eyes and ears street vendors, shopkeepers and told them to inform police if they found something suspicious around their locality.

Deputy Commissioner of Police and PRO (Delhi Police) Madhur Verma stated that they have made heightened security arrangements for the Christmas celebration in all the districts of Delhi and also they have launched a drive to check drunk driving. "All the churches across the national Capital have been provided with security cover. The entire force has been tasked for the purpose," said the PRO.

The officer said all the senior officials of their districts will be keeping a tab on the security arrangements and the regular patrolling in motorcycle will be there nearby churches.

The helping hand for Delhi Police is being the shopkeepers, vendors and the security guard who have been helping police to maintain security arrangements in their areas. "Everyday vendors with their carts visits small lanes and other areas . They have all information about the activities going out there, we have told them that if they found anything suspicious informed the police," said a senior police official. PRO Madhur Verma said they have launched community policing scheme 'Prahari' to prevent crime and maintain law and order in the city. 'Prahari' is an initiative to involve various stakeholders like –chowkidar, security guard and police mitras for prevention of crime.

The police have made special arrangements for big churches where large gatherings are expected.

Meanwhile, a large number of security personnel were seen deploying around the Sacred Heart Cathedral, one of the largest churches in Delhi. In South Delhi more than 18 corridors which connect important temples, roads, restaurants, churches have the extra deployment of the forces to avert any type of incidents. More than 80 pickets will be there during festival times and heavy patrolling is there on more than 70 motorcycles