'Gurukuls' protest use of shoes-belts in temple security

Varanasi, May 8 (UNI) Students of two Sanskrit 'gurukuls' of the religious city took to the streets today against security personnel wearing leather shoes and belts at duty in the world famous Kashi Vishwanath temple here.

Carrying placards bearing slogans against Gyanwapi-Kashi Vishwanath complex security, the students of Dharma Sangh Shiksha Mandal and Annapoorna Rishikul Sanskrit Vidyalaya demonstrated at the 'Chattadawar' -- one of the four entry points to the complex.

The protesting students attired in traditional sartorials alleged ''the authorities are playing with sentiments of the holy city by posting security personnel wearing leather belts and shoes at the world famous temple.'' Led by Jagjitan Pandey, Manoj Pandey and Ravikant Mishra, they demanded that security personnel posted at the temple be directed to discharge their duties without wearing leather shoes and belts.

The protestors, who were pacified by officials of the multi-layered complex security, were assured of prompt action, once the assembly elections in the state were over.

The protesting Sanskrit students have, however, threatened to launch a movement, if their demand was not met in time.

Personnel of Uttar Pradesh police, PAC and CRPF are drafted in the multi-layered security of the complex, which houses Kashi Vishwanath temple and Gyanwapi mosque.

UNI