The Hindu : National : Security to be tightened at religious sites

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Friday, Jul 15, 2005

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National

Security to be tightened at religious sites

Special Correspondent

New measures will come into effect in August

NEW DELHI: The Centre and the Uttar Pradesh Government on Thursday decided to increase security at religious sites in Ayodhya, Varanasi and Mathura and the Taj Mahal in Agra. The decision comes in the wake of the July 5 attack in Ayodhya..

The Central paramilitary forces and the Uttar Pradesh Government would strengthen security wherever necessary, Union Home Secretary V.K. Duggal told reporters here after a high-level meeting of top State police and Central officials..

Surveillance equipment

Installation of close-circuit cameras, latest surveillance equipment, deployment of specially-trained commandos, setting up of watch towers, round-the-clock control rooms, special barricades and ensuring uninterrupted power supply are part of the measures to be implemented in Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mathura and Agra.

The Centre would sanction funds for implementing these measures, Mr. Duggal said. The meeting reviewed the existing situation at Ayodhya, Kashi-Vishwanath, Mathura and Taj Mahal, where experts have begun assessment of the security requirement that would be activated in August.

"These expert groups will complete their recommendations by July 25-26 after which a team of technical experts from the Centre will visit the four places to give their inputs. All reports will be finalised by August 6 and the security system will come into being thereafter," Mr. Duggal said.

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