SHIMLA, March 10: While the Congress and the BJP are busy drawing up battle strategies for the crucial trial of strength in the state Assembly on March 12, the administration and the police today geared themselves up for a possible trial of strength the two parties may get engaged in in the streets of Shimla.The authorities have imposed a complete ban on carrying weapons, have restricted movements of ``unauthorised'' persons and sealed off all entry points, especially Parwanoo. The State has also clamped an ``undeclared'' ban on the entry of Punjab Police personnel, commandos and even personal security guards in Shimla. It also plans to impose Section 144 Cr PC and set up special police barriers in and around Shimla. A local contractor has already been assigned to set up barricade around the Queen of Hills.
The BJP today submitted a memorandum to Governor V S Rama Devi, demanding deployment of central forces - the CRPF, BSF or the ITBP - in Shimla. A party delegation led by Rajya Sabha member MaheshwarSingh met the Governor and sought protection for the MLAs, alleging that the Congress leaders plan to kidnap some of them with the aid of the local police.
According to sources, at least 4,000 armed policemen are being deployed in Shimla to maintain law and order. The policemen requisitioned from the districts and four batallions have already reported for duty.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (South Range) R K Singh informed that there would be a massive deployment of security forces and the MLAs would be provided with foolproof security and safe passage up to the Assembly. "We have also reports about massive mobilisation done by the political parties to bring their supporters but they will not be allowed to do so,'' SSP Shimla, S R Mardi, declared.
Reports received from Upper Shimla area and the lower hills maintain that about 15,000 Congress and the BJP supporters are expected to reach the town and there are possibilities of violent clashes. ``Even inside the House, there are apprehensions ofviolence as stakes are very high for the Congress and the BJP,'' admitted a senior bureaucrat.
However, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister V B Singh has rejected the BJP and the HVC's demand to bring in the central forces.
In a rejoinder to the memorandum submitted to the President by the BJP-HVC leaders, the CM assured the President to do his best to provide protection to all and uphold the traditions of democracy.
Describing the BJP-HVC memorandum as a pack of lies, he said, ``Everybody would be given full protection and there was no question of anybody not being treated properly.''
Meanwhile, HVC leader Sukh Ram filed an application in the High Court seeking direction to the government to provide protection to the party's four MLAs on March 12. The application will come up for hearing tomorrow.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
