Patna: Bihar chief secretary (CS) Pratyay Amrit on Friday directed the state police to ensure that innocent students do not face any harassment, while maintaining law and order during protests against NEET paper leak, asking them to handle the situation with maturity and responsibility.In view of the ongoing NEET paper leak protests in Patna and other districts, a high-level meeting was held through videoconferencing under the chairmanship of Amrit to review the law and order situation. The main aim was to sensitise all administrative officials and police officers about the current situation, and to ensure better coordination to maintain peace and order.At the meeting, attended by DGP Vinay Kumar, DG (operations) Kundan Krishnan, and DMs, DIGs and SPs of all districts, Amrit instructed the district administration and police to function in close coordination.“All DMs and SPs have been told to remain alert in their respective districts and maintain continuous coordination between civil administration and police. While enforcing law and order, officers must ensure that innocent students do not face any harassment. Any misinformation and rumours should be countered immediately through official statements and factual information,” he said.Meanwhile, he said Bihar Police have identified 117 suspects on social media who could disturb peace in the name of protests. Their photos have been released, and strict monitoring is underway by police headquarters, said the CS.The DGP directed the officers to ensure the availability of riot-control equipment and an adequate police force in every district. He also asked them to seek written details of online and offline attendance from coaching institutes to examine their role in the ongoing unrest. “Adequate number of video cameras and CCTV coverage must be ensured at all sensitive locations so that evidence of any untoward incident is properly recorded,” he told them.Krishnan stressed the need for a sensitive approach toward the students and resolving the situation through dialogue. Officers have been directed to talk directly with the students and student leaders. Instead of adopting an aggressive stance, their problems should be heard sympathetically, he said.“Areas prone to protests, especially railway stations, bus stands and places with heavy footfall, should be identified and kept under special watch. Posters and photos should be released to identify rioters and violent elements. Use of force should be resorted to only as the last measure. Priority should be peaceful engagement and control,” said Krishnan.
