The North News
Chandigarh/Fatehgarh Sahib, December 23
The Punjab Police have put extensive security arrangements in place ahead of the annual Shaheedi Sabha at Fatehgarh Sahib, with more than 3,400 personnel deployed to manage the three-day religious congregation beginning on December 25. Special Director General of Police (Law and Order) Arpit Shukla visited Fatehgarh Sahib on Tuesday to review preparations and ensure the smooth and secure conduct of the event, which commemorates the martyrdom of the younger Sahibzadas — Baba Zorawar Singh and Baba Fateh Singh, the sons of the 10th Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Gobind Singh.
Officials said the entire area has been divided into six security sectors. The deployment is being overseen by six officers of Superintendent of Police rank and 24 Deputy Superintendents of Police, amid expectations that lakhs of devotees from India and abroad will attend. Shukla, accompanied by Deputy Inspector General of Police Nanak Singh and Senior Superintendent of Police Shubham Aggarwal, briefed senior officers and directed personnel to maintain a courteous and helpful approach towards the sangat.
The Police said several new measures have been introduced this year to ease crowd movement and minimise inconvenience. A total of 22 parking areas have been designated, with shuttle bus services operating between parking zones and Gurdwara Sri Fatehgarh Sahib. For traffic management, the police have partnered with Google to enable real-time geo-tagging of parking locations, supported by clear signages.
Six help desks — covering police assistance, medical aid and fire services — have been set up, along with an integrated control room. Surveillance will be carried out using six drones and around 300 CCTV cameras to monitor traffic, parking and potential anti-social activity.
In view of winter fog, police teams will also paste reflector stickers on tractor-trolleys to reduce the risk of road accidents during the congregation.
