Babri Masjid demolition ann, tight security in TN

Madurai, Dec 4: Tight security arrangements were made in the Southern districts of Tamil Nadu in view of the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition on December six.

A senior police official of the State Intelligence Section told the sources here today that though there was no specific threat, all places of worship, vital installations, important junctions and crowded places like bus stands were brought under the security blanket.

Armed securitymen were keeping a round-the-clock vigil at Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple here, Sri Dhandayuthapani temple at Palani Hills, Lord Murugan temple at Thirupparankundram and Sri Ramanathaswamy temple at Rameswaram.

Devotees would not be allowed to carry baggage inside the temples for three days from December 5, he said. Security arrangements were also made at important railway stations and junctions in the southern districts. Special teams were formed to keep a vigil on the platforms, the official said.

Line patrolling such as inspecton of tracks and bridges would be carried out round-the-clock for three days. Passengers would be thoroughly frisked with metal detectors before boarding the train.

All trains would be escorted by an armed police team. He said all entry and exit points to the southern districts were brought under police scanner. Special security was provided to the Pamban railway bridge.

Meanwhile, the railway authorities in coordination with the Railway Protection Force (RPF) issued hand bill to railway passengers and advised through the public address system not to touch any suspicious objects or unattended parcels inside the railway stations, he added.

UNI