Tight security in Varanasi on demolition anniversary

Varanasi, Dec 5 (UNI) A high alert has been sounded in the temple town of Varanasi in the wake of 15th anniversary of the demolition of the disputed structure at Ayodhya.

Security has been hightened at railway stations, bus stations, and the hyper-sensitive Vishwanath-Gyanvadi complex area.

The police were paying special attention to overcrowded places such as Sankat Mochan temple, Kashi Vishwanath temple, the venue of Ganga Arti on the river front and Malviya bridge.

They were checking the trains coming to Varanasi and authorised and unauthorised guest houses.

Lodge owners have been advised to inform the police about the suspected guests.

Jawans of CRP, PAC and police had been deployed at sensitive places.

Superintendent of Police (City) Rajiv Mehrotra said today, intelligence personnel had also been put on alert.

Members of the minority community will observe tomorrow as a day of mourning, while some Hindu organisations would observe it as 'Shaurya Diwas'.

Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena at a meeting said it had decided to observe tomorrow as victory day and form a human chain around 'Gyanvapi'.

Shiv Sainiks have also warned, if the administration tried to create any kind of hindrance, they would give a befitting reply.

Aalmeen Society has appealed Muslims to tie black ribbons on their arms and close their shops to protest the demolition of the disputed structure on December 6, 2006 by ''Hindu fundamentalists.'' UNI