'Grey commandos' deployed for Kashi Vishwanath-Gyanwapi security

Varanasi, June 11 (UNI) Intensifying security arrangements at the Gyanwapi-Kashi Vishwanath premises, a team of grey-uniformed crack commandos have been deployed at the highly sensitive complex here.

The commandos -- all taken from the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and aged under 40 -- have been drafted in the security at the complex from Friday last, Additional Superintendent of Police (Gyanwapi) Jugal Kishore Tiwari told UNI here today.

The commandos equipped with latest automatic weapons, communication and night vision devices, have been trained by the National Security Gaurd (NSG), Indian Army and Border Security Force.

''They will be the striking force of Gyanwapi security deployed in the Yellow Zone, the second most sensitive zone, after the Red Zone, where Quick Reaction Team (QRT) of the CRPF was already on their toes,'' Mr Tiwari said.

The deployment is in line with the changed government policy of proactive security, by stationing commandos in Kashi, Mathura and Ayodhya, especially after the July five, 2005, failed Fidayeen strike at the Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya, Mr Tiwari added.

''The commandos who have just completed training at NSG, Army and BSF commando training centres, will work as permanent striking force at Gyanwapi and will be on their toes to deal with any terrorist misadventure. They are in fact 'greyhounds' of Gyanwapi security,'' the ASP added.

The 30-member team equipped with night-vision devices, was presently being acquainted with the topography of the sensitive complex, including all strategic points in the Red and Yellow Zone,'' Mr Tiwari said.

Similar squads have already been deployed at Mathura and Ayodhya, besides providing services to the Special Task Force of Uttar Pradesh Police, he added.

''With the induction of the 30 greyhounds, now Gyanwapi security has a specialised force that will work on the policy of offence being the best defence, in case of any terrorist attack,'' the ASP said.

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