Stay alert, refrain from spreading rumours on social media: Gujarat Police

In an official order released on Thursday, the Gujarat police cancelled the leaves of its staff across the state. The security officials have also been asked to stay on extremely high alert. Also, the authorities of Ahmedabad and Surat have issued advisories, urging civilians to remain alert.

The advisory urged citizens "not to become a victim of any deliberate propaganda from across the border or from vested interests to divide the people in the name of community or religion".

It added that people should take extra care while using social media. Senior officers of the police and security agencies, including Indian Coast Guard and Border Security Force, on Thursday, conducted a thorough scanning of luggage at almost every checkpoint of the city. Meanwhile, the Indian Army is also covering the borders of the state. The Ports and the airports also saw a highly stepped-up security deployment.

A police officer, on condition of anonymity, said, "Gujarat is on high alert. It is the home state of Prime Minister and also a state that falls on the international border with Pakistan. The PM is coming here next week. Therefore, our agencies and intelligence personnel have left no stone unturned to ensure internal security. Moreover, the movement on bordering areas also has been traced."

"Our intelligence has been intensified in villages in Kutch and Banaskantha districts near Pakistan border. Movement of locals have been restricted and being monitored. Tourists' movement is a major concern," added the official.

The agencies have been dealing sensitively with every single piece of information they're collecting from their sources. However, there are rumours that are spreading through social media near the border. It's a challenge for us to contain.

"There was a rumour of burning object fell from the sky in Morbi district was spread in the morning but when the police went there and checked, it turned out to be a hoax. The input of drone cited near the border in Kutch also was reported," he said.