Security heightened at religious places

Vikram Sharma

Tribune News Service

Jammu, October 1

Amid terror alerts sounded by the Central government after it carried out surgical attacks on terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, people of the Jammu region, who started their nine-day Navratras fast today, seem undeterred as they visited the Bawe Wali Mata shrine to offer prayers.

While there is a security alert in Jammu and Kashmir, the primary focus of the administration is on security installations and religious places in Jammu.

Deputy Chief Minister Nirmal Singh said a contingency plan was in place and the state administration was fully geared to tackle any situation.

“There is nothing to worry. The festivities would be held with great religiosity throughout the region. Besides, security has been tightened throughout. Not only the religious installations, but every aspect has also been taken into consideration on the security point of view,” the Deputy Chief Minister said.

On the first Navratras today, hundreds of people visited the shrine of Maa Durga at Bahu Fort Temple here.

Though there is a fear that Pakistan may retaliate, the faith and determination refused to die in pilgrims who said “they will prefer to die at Mata’s shrine rather than wait at home.”

Security at Bahu Fort and Raghunath Mandir, which have been on the terror radar of terrorists, has been increased. Raghunath Mandir in the city has been put under heavy security and nobody is allowed entry without proper frisking. At Bahu Fort, the security and surveillance has been heightened. For the first time, paramilitary forces have been deployed at the fort in a significant move to further strengthen the security grid.

“Though there is no high alert in the city, the security agencies, including the police, are on an alert as the festive season has started,” said Sunil Gupta, Senior Superintendent of Police, Jammu.

“We have reviewed all security arrangements in Jammu,” he added.