Heavy Security in Puducherry for Amit Shah’s Visit

Puducherry:Elaborate security arrangements have been put in place in Puducherry ahead of Union home minister Amit Shah’s visit, with around 1,000 security personnel, including eight companies of the CRPF, deployed across the Union Territory.

Amit Shah is scheduled to arrive in Puducherry on Saturday evening by helicopter from Chennai and stay at a hotel near Rajiv Gandhi Square. On Sunday morning, he will proceed to the Gorimedu Police Parade Ground, where he will present the President’s Colour award to the Puducherry Police.

Barricades have been erected along the routes from the airport to Rajiv Gandhi Square and onward to Gorimedu. Around 500 Puducherry Police personnel will be deployed for security and traffic regulation, along with personnel from the Indian Reserve Battalion and reserve forces. Traffic diversions will be enforced from 2 pm on Saturday on the East Coast Road and Tindivanam Road. On Sunday, restrictions will remain in force from 5.30 am until the Minister’s departure.

Parking has been prohibited along the entire route. Vehicles from the Shivaji Statue side will be diverted through Muthialpet, while traffic from JIPMER will be routed through Mettupalayam towards Indira Gandhi Statue.

Meanwhile, Puducherry Collector A. Kulothungan has declared areas under Oulgaret Municipality a no-fly zone on August 8 and 9. Flying drones, UAVs and other aerial devices have been prohibited.

Lieutenant Governor Kailashnathan inspected the rehearsal and advance security arrangements at the Gorimedu Police Parade Ground. Home Minister A. Namassivayam, Chief Secretary Sharat Chauhan and DGP Shalini Singh accompanied him.