New Delhi, Jan 7: Taking a U-turn on his earlier announcement, Delhi’s Lt. Governor Tejinder Khanna on Monday said that it would not be mandatory for people in the National Capital to carry a photo identity (ID) card.

"I had never said that ID proof would be made mandatory. The message has been misunderstood. I never said without ID cards, people will be treated as culprits. Ours is an open society and no citizen can be put to unwanted discomfort," he told reporters here.

He further said, "I had just instructed the Police Commissioner to increase surveillance in different parts of the NCT (National Capital Territory) and to screen persons arousing suspicion."

Khanna had said on Friday, "From January 15 any person in Delhi will be subjected to a random check and that person should carry an identification card as to where he works and what he does. Any kind of identification would do as long as it provides the right information." (ANI)