Gyanwapi security beefed up

Varanasi, July 13 (UNI) The security set-up at the highly sensitive Kashi Vishwanath-Gyanwapi complex here has been geared up to foil any terrorist strike following information that ultras dressed as 'kanwarias' can attack the temple during this holy month of Shrawan.

Following intelligence inputs suggesting possibility of ultras disguising as 'kanwarias' (orange clad Lord Shiv Bhaktas) striking at temples during the ongoing month of 'shrawan', a concrete security plan has been put in place at the Gyanwapi complex, ASP (Gyanwapi) Jugal Kishore Tiwari told UNI today.

''We are going for intensive checks and monitoring of Kanwarias, right from the Green Zone -- the outer most zone of the three-layered security -- at the sensitive complex,'' the ASP added.

The police, PAC and CRP personnel, besides the 30-member PAC commandos have been put on special alert.

Besides, the armed security personnel, intelligence network has been put on maximum alert and fanned out in the complex and roads and by-lanes leading to it.

''They will be deployed at all nooks and corners including camps for Kanwarias, where the ultras, if any, may slip into the orange army of Shiva Bhakts. Surprise checks will also be conducted at such camps,'' Mr Tiwari informed.

The efforts of intelligence and security personnel will be bolstered by the active cooperation of local traders posted in and around the complex as Special Police Officers (SPOs) and the 'pandas' (small time priests).

''Since the local traders over the years have become familiar with the acts of Kanwarias, they could be of immense help to us in spotting anyone suspicious among the Shiva Bhaktas. Besides, the pandas keep a close eye for devotees and will also prove to be a key player in spotting suspicious Kanwarias,'' the ASP added.

''Even we are deliberating on whether to dress our own sleuths as Pandas and Kanwarias for proper security scanning,'' he added.

Efforts will be made to make the Kanwarias alert that a terrorist an slip into their group and other temples of the religious city.

Mr Tiwari further said despite all attempts, if the ultras dressed as Kanwarias manage to sneak into the complex, the Quick Reaction Team (QRT) of CRP and the PAC commandos armed with sophisticated weaponary will take care of any eventuality.

The bomb disposal sqaud that did a commendable job in timely defusing a bomb at Dwashashamedh area on March 7 and the sniffer dog squad have also been asked to be on hand.

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