Tight security for Mela at Khir Bhawani

Srinagar, Jun 3 (UNI) In view of the recent attacks on the tourists, unprecedented security arrangments have been put in place for the annual ''Mela Khir Bhawani'', one of the main festivals of the Kashmiri pandits, being celebrated tomorrow.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad visited the Khir Bhawani temple at Tulmulla, about 30 km from here, and took stock of the arrangements. Thousands of Kashmiri pandits, living in different states and abroad are expected to participate in the festival.

Special buses left Jammu, Udhampur and other areas this morning to bring the devotees to Tulmulla where ''Zeishta Ashtami'',popularly known as Mela Khir Bhawani, would be celebrated tomorrow.

For the first time a Non Government Organisation (NGO) of Kashmiri pandits has set up ''langar'' at the festival site for the devotees.

It is said that the water of the spring inside the temple premises changes colours during the festival, which is considered aupicious.

The devotees will also join a special prayer for restoration of peace in the valley so that the Kashmiri pandits, living in different parts of the country, could return back to their homes.

For the first time after 1990, the authorities expect a record number of pilgrims to the mela.

Kashmiri muslims have also made arrangments to receive their pandit brethern, who have migrated to other parts of the country.

The local people have set up stalls where milk and flowers will be available for the devotees for offering in the temple.

Adequate security personnel have been deployed around the temple to thwart any untoward incident.

Security forces in have also been deployed on the route which will be used by the Kashmiri pandits to reach Tulmulla.

Mr Azad during his visit to temple, also inspected the 'yatri' complex where 54 one-room tenements, eight dormitories and sanitation units constructed for pilgrims.

He also inspected bathing 'gaths' and water stream running though the complex area and directed the authorities concerned to take all measures in making the shrine more beautiful.

UNI BAS AK KN1415