This story is from February 8, 2019

Security beefed up at PM Modi’s rally venue in Jalpaiguri

Security beefed up at PM Modi’s rally venue in Jalpaiguri
Narendra Modi
MAYNAGURI: On the eve of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rally here, heavy security arrangements were put in place on Thursday keeping in mind the Thakurnagar rally where restive crowds had turned unruly and flung chairs.
Before the rally, Modi will lay the foundation stone for upgradation of NH-31D from Salsalabari in Alipurduar to Ghoshpukur in Darjeeling, a stretch of over 155km, for Rs 3,120 crore.
He is expected to inaugurate the Calcutta High Court’s Jalpaiguri circuit bench, a decades-long demand of district residents. A halt at Jalpaiguri Road Station for some trains such as Padatik Express may also be announced.
Modi is scheduled to reach Bagdogra airport from Chhattisgarh and will then take a helicopter to the Maynaguri rally ground 71km away. Three helipads have been built near the main dais under the eyes of the NSG, SPG and state authorities.
Wiser after the Thakurnagar rally fallout, BJP leaders have chosen a larger rally ground at Churabhandar in Maynaguri. The ground can accommodate at least 1 lakh people but leaders expect a larger turnout. “The Thakurnagar rally was a religious one and not organised by us. But enough security arrangement is being made so that there is no scope for a breach,” said BJP general secretary Raju Banerjee.
District police officers, however, are apprehensive of a Thakurnagar rerun. They urged organisers to alter the seating arrangements. Sources said at least 10 policemen will man each enclosure to prevent breach of any barricade. “Organisers have said around 10,000 chairs will be laid. A large number of policemen will man the ground. The organisers have also assured support from their volunteers,” Jalpaiguri police superintendent Amitabha Maiti said. Jimmy cameras (cameras fitted with cranes), however, will not be used as the Thakurnagar crowd had climbed up them.
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