LUCKNOW, Oct. 16 -- The Uttar Pradesh Police have stepped up security arrangements across the state to ensure peaceful and safe Diwali celebrations, director general of police (DGP) Rajeev Krishna said here on Thursday.

According to the DGP, police officers have been instructed to oversee security measures, including deployment of adequate police personnel in markets and crowded areas.

"To maintain law and order, police have planned several measures, including deployment of personnel -- both in plainclothes and uniform -- in markets and crowded areas, activation of Anti-Romeo Squads to ensure safety of women and children, regular foot patrolling by senior officers in commercial hubs and setting up of quick reaction teams (QRTs) to respo...