PM to arrive Varanasi today, people stay indoors

Varanasi, Mar 14 (UNI) Elaborate security arrangement has been put in place in this temple town in view of the visit of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to the world famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple today.

The Prime Minister, accompanied by his wife will visit Dashswamedh ghat to see 'Ganga arti'.

The busy markets of Godowlia and Daswamedh, which generally remain abuzz with activity, wore a deserted look with locals preferring to stay indoors following the stringent security cover.

Though some big shops opened, no buyer could be spotted.

The city roads usually encroached by vendors were empty. Besides, vegetable, tea and paan shops have also been closed for security reasons.

Lanka, Bhelupura, Rathyatra, Luxa and Godowlia have been sealed, as Dr Singh would pass through this route.

The police have already banned the plying of boats in the Ganga, following which boat riders specially foreign tourists are facing hardships.

Very few bathers were spotted on the Ganga Ghats and Vishswanath temple this morning..

According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) S B Siradkar as many as 10 SSP, 16 ASP, 31 Deputy SP, 150 sub-inspectors, 85 head constables, 1,400 constables and five women sub-inspectors, 12 companies PAC and 2 companies RAF, para military forces and jal police had been engaged for the two day visit of Dr Singh beginning this evening UNI JL/JAS MSJ KN1534