By IANS
Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) : An unprecedented security ring has been thrown in and around the ancient Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi following alleged terror plans revealed by a militant arrested last month.
While several other security measures were already in place all around the Hindu shrine, identification of all pilgrims has been introduced with effect from Friday.
“Everyone seeking entry into the precincts of the temple will have to disclose his identity,” says an order issued by Varanasi Senior Superintendent of Police S. Shirodkar.
Earlier, the police official had banned entry of mobile phones and even the sale of milk that is traditionally offered to Lord Shiva.
The decision to beef up the security of this popular Hindu pilgrimage destination was taken following the arrest of militant outfit Harkat-ul Jihad-ul Islami (HuJI) commander Jalaluddin in Uttar Pradesh capital Lucknow last month.
Jalaluddin, who was carrying a sizeable consignment of RDX and detonators, had revealed how his group was planning strikes at various temples during the forthcoming sawan mela, or monsoon fairs, an annual month-long affair commencing from the end of July.
A series of blasts were allegedly planned at popular pilgrim destinations in the state like Varanasi, Ayodhya and Garh Mukteshwar over the coming months, according to a report prepared by the high-profile Special Task Force (STF).
In the new measure, no identification card would be demanded from the pilgrims at Kashi Vishwanath. While the identity could be fakes, Varanasi Divisional Commissioner Nitin Gokaran told IANS: “It is the first step towards keeping a tab on the entry of undesirable element.
“Security enhancement is a kind of a routine exercise before every sawan mela that draws the highest number of pilgrims – touching up to 50,000 in a day. This year, we had to take even more strict measures in view of the disclosures made by the arrested HuJI agent,” Gokaran said.