Traders to act as police officers in Kashi Vishwanath

Varanasi, July 10 (UNI) As part of a multi-pronged foolproof security at the highly sensitive Kashi Viswanath-Gyanwapi complex during the auspicious month of 'shrawan', the police have decided to deploy local traders as 'special police officers' (SPOs).

As part of the move, especially during the auspicious month starting from Wednesday, it has been decided to deploy local residents including traders as SPOs on the complex, ASP (Gyanwapi) Jugal Kishore Tiwari told UNI today.

''The security comprising PAC, police and CRP will now see local residents deployed as SPOs alongside crack PAC commandos at all important security points,'' he added.

He further said the idea of social policing will help provide hassle free security during the month, when the Kashi Vishwanath temple is inundated by a sea of devotees.

''This step will go a long way in making policing more acceptable among the locals as well as outstation devotees,'' Mr Tiwari added.

The traders and locals to be deployed as SPOs have been identified and special ID cards will soon be given to them to ensure their success, which is a hot target of the ultras, he informed.

Among other measures to ensure foolproof security, the security password system has been strictly enforced, especially to prevent any misadventure by ultras dressed as security personnel.

''All three pillars of Gyanwapi security -- PAC commandos, police and CRP have been directed to ensure the strict enforcement of password system, especially to ensure that in the event of strike by terrorists in army or police fatigues, the alert security personnel are able to swiftly identify and eliminate them,'' he added.

The strict enforcement of password system holds key to foolproof security at the complex especially in the wake of attacks by ultras dressed as security men in Jammu and Kashmir and Nagpur, Mr Tiwari added.

The police department has also set up 25 special police outposts proximate to yellow zone of complex in view of the holy month and security threat that it accompanies, he said.

The Jal Police manning security at the Ganga ghats have also been put on high alert to foil any ultra intrusion into the complex from the lanes originating from the riverfront.

Besides, these security arrangements, special security systems will be put in place on every Monday of the holy month, when heavy rush of devotees was witnessed at the complex.

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