Troops move in to hold Ambubachi festival safely

Guwahati, Jun 20 (UNI) Security forces have taken positions atop the sacred Neelachal Hills as tens of thousands of pilgrims were streaming into the Kamkhya temple for the annual Ambubachi mela, starting from tomorrow.

''We are expecting about three lakh pilgrims this time, but we are equally worried about the security as the terrorists could do anything. They would love to take this oppurtunity. But I believe in Godess Kamakhya, she will protect us'' said the President of the Temple Trust Navakanta Sarma.

But Assam Government is not keeping all its faith on the Goddess.

''We will maintain adequate security so that pilgrims feels safe. In fact we are sending two platoons more today,'' said Additional Superintendent of Police(City) Debojit Deuri.

Although the fair opens only from tomorrow, but the vast complex have been teeming with activities as various sadhus are holding courts, displaying their amazing skills and casting a mystic spell.

Guwahati Superintendent of Police Pradip Pujari said no private vehicles will be allowed to drive up the Neelachal hills. Free ferry vehicles have been arranged for transporting the pilgrims,he added.

''I have been coming to Kamakhya for the past 30 years with my disciple. This time we are a team of 25'' said Bhangi Baba. About 600 sadhus have congragated in the temple complexes.

Many of them are known faces and scholars. However, the 90-plus Oxford educated Sashtri baba has not turned up this time. There was so far no ''white sadhus' also who generally make appearances in the five-day fair.

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