STF to guard Tirumala temple on 'Ekadasi'

Tirumala, Dec 18 (UNI) The Special Protection Force (STF) will be deployed at the Lord Venkateswara temple here in view of the anticipated heavy turn out of devotees on December 20 'Vaikunda Ekadasi' According to temple sources, one the eve of the 'auspicious day' the SPF would take over the security of the Sanctum Sanctorum and Vaikuntam of the temple from Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) security personnel.

The decision comes in the wake of increasing terror strikes on places of worship in the country. The Temple has been in the hit-list of terror groups.

Meanwhile, TTD union members, unhappy over the STF deployment, urged its Executive Officer K V Ramanachary to review the decision and threatended to go on stir in default.

However, TTD Chief Vigilance and Security Officer Hari Kumar said the decision was taken considering security risks during festivals.

UNI