CM reviews security before reopening schools

Shyam Sundar Vattam | NT

With classes 1 to 10 set to reopen in all schools from Monday as per the directions of the High Court, the state government on Friday asked deputy commissioners and superintendents of police of all districts to be on a high vigil and not allow any untoward incident to happen. Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai held a video conferencing with the DCs, SPs, CEOs and DDPIs of all districts on Friday to take stock of the situation. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Home Minister Araga Jnanendra said the CM obtained details from the DC and SP of each district to know about the current situation. The officers were told to personally visit schools in sensitive areas and hold talks with school authorities. All steps must be taken to prevent anti-social elements from taking advantage of the situation by rounding them off in advance. The help of community leaders and religious leaders must be taken to ensure peace in schools.

The minister said all necessary arrangements must be made on the day of reopening of schools to see no incident occurs.

The children must be told to concentrate on studies. The district administration has been given a free hand to deal with any emergency situation. All necessary arrangements have been made to conduct classes without any disturbance. The local elected representatives and leaders of opposition parties must be taken into confidence to run schools successfully. Anybody who moves around suspiciously near schools must be picked up and questioned. The direction given by the three member bench of the Karnataka High Court must be implemented strictly

On reopening of colleges, he said the government would watch the situation till next Wednesday and then take a call. Reacting to the cash reward and gifts given by MLAs of other states to the Mandya girl for bravely facing a group of boys and shouting slogans in favour of her religion, the home minister said the government was watching everything and would act at the right time.

On allegations that the family members of the petitioners in the high court had links with some organisations, Araga said the government was aware of it. On the demand made by BJP leaders to hand over this hijab row to National Investigation Agency(NIA), the minister said it was their personal opinion and the government has not taken any decision in this regard.