Agency report

New Delhi, Jan 6 (mb): Many Delhiites may still not possess any identity card, but carrying identity proof has been made mandatory in the capital from January 15 for security considerations.

Announcing the move, Lieutenant-Governor Tejendra Khanna said on Friday that orders in this regard had also been issued to the Delhi police, who would now conduct random checks on people to establish their credentials.

“The decision to verify the identity of the citizens has been taken in the wake of the recent terror attacks in the country. The move would help in preventing such incidents,” the Lieutenant-Governor said at a press conference at Raj Niwas.

Affirming that the police had been instructed to carry out random checks, Mr. Khanna advised people to carry identity proof with them to avoid any inconvenience.

The Lt. Governor said security personnel would carry out random checks from January 15 and any individual could be asked to produce identity proof, such as a photo identity card, passport or ration card. Even identity cards issued by offices, colleges and schools would serve as valid proof.

The Delhi government would give adequate publicity to the order, he added.

The Lt. Governor said the move was not aimed at harassing people but for protecting them.

He cautioned that those without valid identity proof, the police would have the power to take appropriate action.

Delhi Police Commissioner Y.S. Dadwal said random checks would be intensified.