Snipers to secure annual exodus

BOGOR: The police will deploy dozens of snipers on the roads that will be used by people returning to their hometowns during the holiday season.

Bogor chief of detectives Comr.Edi S. Tambunan said that they would be deployed three days before the Idul Fitri holidays.

He said they would be assigned to provide security at certain spots that are prone to crime. Those areas are usually dark and the roads are in a bad state of repair.

Meanwhile, head of the traffic police unit Adj.Comr. Beno Luohanapessy said that no buses or trucks would be allowed to use the Puncak-Bogor route from seven days before Idul Fitri to seven days afterward.

The route will be closed to large vehicles in anticipation of the heavy traffic caused by travelers.

Like last year, he said, 2,000 officers will be deployed to control the traffic.--JP