Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) [India], December 17 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Police on Wednesday launched 'Operation Torch' in Varanasi as part of a drive against illegal immigrants, officials said.

Under the operation, police teams are verifying the identities of people who are not native residents of Varanasi but have been living in the city for some time. The verification process includes checking documents and background details.

Varanasi Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Nitin Taneja said the exercise aims to identify individuals residing in the city without proper verification.

'In 'Operation Torch', we are verifying the identities of those who are not native residents of Varanasi but have been living here for some time. We are investigating whether they have come from Bangladesh or any other place,' ACP Taneja said.

He added that the operation is being conducted as part of routine security and verification measures and that further action will be taken based on the investigation's findings.

Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath congratulated the Provincial Armed Constabulary of UP on its foundation day as he recalled the valour of PAC personnel who were stationed at the Parliament during the December 13, 2001, terror attack.

'I recall that on 13 December 2001, when terrorists attacked the country's Parliament, the PAC personnel on duty responded bravely and killed all five terrorists,' he stated.

Moreover, he said that these UP armed police forces have successfully maintained public order and safety, even in a state with the largest population.

In 1948, the U.P. Military Police and U.P. State Armed Constabulary were amalgamated into the Provincial Armed Constabulary. PAC was created to prevent frequent deployment of the Army in grave law & order situations which the local police could not handle on its own. Even though it was meant for the State of Uttar Pradesh, the PAC has had the privilege of serving across the length and breadth of the country. (ANI)