Badrinath, Kedarnath open amid tight security

Dehra Dun, May 4: The Kapats (doors) of the famous Hindu shrines Badrinath and Kedarnath were today opened for the public amid recitation of Vedic mantras.

President of Badrinath Kedarnath Temple Committee (BKTC), A P Maikuri told UNI here that thousands of pilgrims had thronged the temples, queueing up for the darshan, since 0200 hours last night.

The Badrinath temple was opened at 0400 hrs early this morning whereas Kedarnath was opened at 0800 hrs, he said, adding ''for the first time in many years the kapats of both the temples opened on the same day.'' Mr Maikhuri said the security has been more then doubled this year as compared to the last year and for the first time, a bomb disposal squad has also been deployed in Badrinath.

District Magistrate Rudraprayag U D Chaubey said that all the shopkeeprs had been instructed to display the price list in their shops and has urged them not to use polythene bags.

Minister of state for Rural Development Suryakanta Patil was also present on the occasion.

UNI