PANJIM: In the wake of the recent multiple suicide blasts in churches and hotels in Sri Lanka, Panjim police held a meeting with the heads of the religious places in the capital and issued a security advisory to all places of worship.
Panjim Police Inspector Sudesh Naik informed that around 30 heads of various religious institutions attended the meeting and security arrangements at the respective places were reviewed.
“We have asked them to install CCTV cameras with a good back-up capacity for data. We have also asked them to deploy security guards at their places who are trained for the work. And (if) any suspicious movement is noted then the same should be informed to the police immediately,” he added.
PI Naik said, “We have asked for reducing the number of access points to minimum to regulate the movement of people.”
In the advisory, it is advised to install door frame metal detectors and individuals should be frisked and manually checked in case of any suspicion.
Police have also advised to collect the cash from the donation box on daily basis and in case it is not done so then the donation box be fixed to concrete platforms with proper locking system.
The advisory also states that all valuable ornaments be deposited in bank lockers or a strong room be created within the premises and the whole area including its parking spaces if any be well illuminated.
Police have also demanded that in case the religious space provides lodging or boarding or room facilities, then photo identity proofs be demanded from all guests and the same be produced for scrutiny by the police.
The advisory further states that a plan showing the entry and exit points be provided to the respective police stations.
Responding to concerns raised over the security arrangements at the Mary Immaculate Church in Panjim, PI Sudesh Naik said that since the entry to the place is open, we have enhanced the security arrangements.
“Apart from Police Constables, we have also placed a Quick Response Team near the Church. We are taking measures to provide appropriate security and measures as deterrence for any untoward activity or incident,” he added.
