Wednesday, July 6 2005 11:22 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Varanasi: Security around the Kashi Vishwanath temple-Gyanvapi mosque and vital installations were bolstered yesterday (July 5, 2005) in the wake of the red alert sounded by the Uttar Pradesh government throughout the state following the terrorist attack in the makeshift temple complex in Ayodhya, official sources said.

Devotees and other people around the sensitive complex were allowed to enter the temple after rigorous checking by the security personnel, the sources said.

The district authorities have also deployed intelligence and civil police personnel in plain clothes to monitor the movement and activities of suspicious-looking persons near the complex, they said, adding the in-charges of about two dozen police stations were directed to intensify vigil around religious places, vital installations and sensitive localities of mixed population.

Para-military and police personnel have intensified patrolling in sensitive areas, said the sources adding they were also monitoring the movement of suspicious elements at railway stations, bus stands and high ways.

Varanasi district magistrate Nitishwar Kumar held separate meetings with civil and police officials to review security at vital installations and directed them to take all necessary ,steps for maintaining tight security arrangements in the district.