IMPHAL/GUWAHATI/SHILLONG: Security has been tightened across the northeast ahead of the Independence Day celebrations on Wednesday.Elaborate security measures have been taken up in Imphal with police commandos carrying out widespread frisking and combing operations at strategic areas.Various rebels groups of the northeast have called a general strike on the day and asked people to stay away from Independence celebrations. Keeping in mind the threat posed by rebel groups, Manipur police have intensified patrolling in and around the core zones of Imphal city, which houses Raj Bhavan, the chief minister's bungalow, ministers' official residences, state assembly, as well as central and state government offices.Army and central paramilitary forces are keeping strict vigil at various points in Imphal. No untoward incident took place in the city till the time of filing this report."We have adopted tight security measures at all key points in Imphal. Besides police, central paramilitary forces are maintaining round-the-clock vigil to thwart any subversive activities," a senior police officer told TOI on Tuesday evening.In Assam, police have also beefed up security throughout the state to foil any potential terror attempts. With boycott calls by Ulfa (Independent) and other militant groups in the region issuing calls to boycot Independence Day celebrations, police are on high alert in the state.The veterinary playground at Khanapara in Guwahati, where the main Independence Day celebrations will be held, have been cordoned off in a multi-layer security blanket. Many VVIPs and VIPs, and thousands of people, are likely to attend the celebrations here on Wednesday.Assam Police chief Kuladhar Saikia said state police are in close contact with their counterparts in Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya to prevent any illegal activities in 'vulnerable' and 'sensitive' districts. Tinsukia, Dibrugarh Golaghat , Darrang, Sonitpur, Biswanath and areas under Bodoland Territorial Area Districts (BTAD) are on high alert. Over 50 checkpoints have been set up in and around Guwahti to keep a close watch on on all the entry and exit points of the city. Meghalaya police have increased patrolling across the city, he said, adding that the security forces have been directed to remain vigilant and intensify checking. "We are ready to tackle any kind of situation," Marak asserted, adding that special checkpoints have been set up at various places across the city.

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