Police asked to remain on alert; 24×7 social media monitoring, inter-agency coordination stressed
Dehradun: Uttarakhand DGP Deepam Seth has directed intelligence and security officials to strengthen the state’s security preparedness in view of the upcoming assembly elections, the ongoing Char Dham Yatra, the proposed Kumbh Mela and other major religious gatherings.
Seth chaired a review meeting at the Intelligence and Security Headquarters in Dehradun, where he held detailed discussions with senior officers on emerging security challenges and the preparedness of the intelligence and security wings.
The DGP stressed the effective implementation of the national counter-terrorism policy ‘Prahar’, particularly in the context of attempts to influence young people towards radicalisation through social media.
Officials were also asked to maintain heightened vigilance in view of inputs related to Pakistani gangster Shehzad Bhatti and the arrests of his associates in different parts of the country. The DGP directed district-level intelligence units to closely monitor any developments having potential implications for state security.
CM security to be strengthened
With the assembly elections approaching and the overall security environment remaining sensitive, Seth directed officials to further strengthen the security arrangements for Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
He said adequate security arrangements should be ensured for the proposed programmes of VVIPs during the election period while simultaneously maintaining effective law and order across the state.
Greater surveillance along international borders
The DGP called for enhanced surveillance in the districts bordering China and Nepal, with particular focus on suspicious activities, possible infiltration attempts and activities of anti-national elements.
He directed senior officers of the ITBP, SSB, Intelligence Bureau, Army, Uttarakhand Police and ATS to improve coordination and hold a high-level inter-agency coordination meeting to ensure timely sharing and assessment of intelligence inputs.
Security plan for Char Dham Yatra and Kumbh
Seth said the increasing number of tourists and pilgrims visiting Uttarakhand made continuous assessment of security arrangements essential.
Officials were instructed to regularly review security arrangements during the ongoing Char Dham Yatra and prepare a comprehensive and coordinated security plan for the upcoming Kumbh Mela and other major religious events.
The DGP stressed that preparations related to law and order, traffic management and crowd control should be completed well in advance of major events to ensure a safe environment for pilgrims and tourists.
24×7 monitoring of social media
The DGP directed intelligence and security units to maintain round-the-clock monitoring of social media platforms, including Facebook, X, Instagram and WhatsApp, particularly during the election period and major religious events.
Officials were asked to promptly identify inflammatory content, rumours and online activities capable of disturbing law and order and initiate appropriate action.
He also stressed the need for immediate official fact-checks and rebuttals in cases involving misleading reports, manipulated videos, deepfakes and rumours, particularly on sensitive and communal issues.
The meeting was attended by ADG Intelligence and Security Abhinav Kumar, IG STF Nilesh Anand Bharne, IG Personnel Sunil Kumar Meena, IG P&M/Headquarters Barinderjeet Singh, SP Intelligence Manikant Mishra, SP Security/ATS Sarita Dobhal, ASP Crime Lokjeet Singh, ASP Intelligence/Security Ankush Mishra and DSP Security GD Joshi, among other officers.
DSP Intelligence Manoj Aswal and other senior officials were also present. Intelligence in-charges from all districts participated in the meeting through video conferencing.