Additional forces for Kashi Vishwanath temple

Varanasi, Feb 11: With the festival of Mahashivratri this time coinciding with Friday prayers at Gyanwapi mosque, the Uttar Pradesh government has decided for additional security at the highly sensitive Kashi Vishwanath-Gyanwapi complex here on February 16.

A special meeting of the Standing Committee on Kashi Vishwanath-Gyanwapi security was chaired here by Additional Director General (ADG-Security) of UP Police R K Tiwari last evening.

At the meeting, security arrangements at the complex were reviewed and special measures for Mahashivratri finalised.

Later interacting with mediapersons, Mr Tiwari said additional forces will be deployed at the complex keeping in mind Friday prayers and Mahashivratri falling on February 16. Presently, the three-tier security at the complex is manned by the UP police, PAC and CRP personnel, including special PAC commandos and quick reaction teams (QRTs) of CRP.

Besides, two more bomb detection and disposal squad will be posted at the complex to support the existing one squad permanently deployed for complex security, Mr Tiwari said.

The ADG further informed that four CCTVs, besides video and still cameras will also be drafted on the complex to keep a tab on the movement on the festive day. Intelligence network is also being streamlined to foil any terror designs.

With the VHP's three-day Vishwa Hindu Sammelan starting at Allahabad from today and Ardh Kumbh returnee 'akharas' likely to add to the rush of devotees on the festive occasion at the world famous Kashi Vishwanath temple, separate time for prayers will be earmarked for the Ardh Kumbh returnees.

The ADG, while inspecting the arrangements at the complex was satisfied with the lighting arrangements.

UNI