Bomb disposal experts on alert for Vindhyachal Navratra Fair

Mirzapur, Mar 22 (UNI) In the wake of the March 7 twin blasts in neighbouring Varanasi, experts from the bomb disposal squad of Uttar Pradesh police have been put on high alert for the famous Navratra fair starting at Vindhyachal from March 30.

Officer in charge of the nine-day fair and Additional District Magistrate Ved Prakash Mishra told UNI here today that following the twin blast in Varanasi, the security during the fair in this Naxal infested district has been stepped up drastically.

Dr Mishra said experts from the bomb disposal squad of UP police have been put on alert to deal with any eventuality. Besides, CCTVs have also been installed at sensitive points in the entire fair arena.

The entire 14-km fair arena has been divided into 27 sectors, provided with enhanced security and additional security arrangements have been put in place in all the three shrines -- Goddess Vindhyavasini, Goddess Kali and Goddess Asthabhuja, Mr Mishra added.

Besides crack security, directives have also been issued to maintain proper traffic control during the fair, he said.

UNI XC-ARS SC BS1652