The Mumbai police have tightened security and stepped up vigilance across the city as a precautionary measure in the wake of the terrorist attack in Pulwama.
The attack has led to widespread reactions on social media and protests. Debates on media platforms have stoked emotions, leading to a volatile situation.
“The State and Central intelligence machinery and the Mumbai Police Crime Branch have been continuously watching the movements and activities throughout the city,” Mumbai Police spokesperson DCP Manjunath Singe said. He said every police station has been briefed about possible risks and measures to be undertaken in each case.
“Officers and constables have been instructed to monitor their respective jurisdictions and take action immediately in case of any suspicious activity,” he said.
Help for Kashmiris
Mr. Singe said that all police stations have also been instructed to watch out for Kashmiri people facing any problems in their jurisdiction. He said that while no dedicated helpline had been set up to assist Kashmiris in the city, anyone in need of help can call the 100 helpline and prompt action would be taken. “No such incident has been reported to us so far,” Mr. Singe said.
The anti-terror cells of police stations and the Maharashtra Anti Terrorism Squad are gathering intelligence at the ground level, and information is constantly being exchanged with central agencies. Zonal deputy commissioners of police have also been asked to hold regular briefings with their subordinates.
“We are also watching out for any possible backlash to the attacks from extremist groups that might target innocent people from a particular community. Instructions have been issued to make preventive arrests if such action is deemed necessary,” a senior Mumbai Police officer said.
The Cyber police station in Mumbai and the Maharashtra Cyber Security Department are also keeping a watch the cyber space to identify rumour-mongers and inflammatory content.
Spreading rumours
On Friday, attempts were made to pass off a video of a mock drill in Virar as the arrest of a terrorist in Jalgaon. On Saturday, a decade-old video of a terrorist attack in Syria was being circulated as footage of the Pulwama attacks. “A number of fake videos and news are being forwarded through social media, creating fear in the minds of the citizens. We have requested people not to fall prey to any rumour or forward any text, picture or video without verification,” Mr. Singe said.
On Saturday, the Thane City police, through their official Twitter handle, urged people to refrain from spreading rumours.
