Saturday, January 14 2006 12:42 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Allahabad: A tight security cover has been put in place for Makarsankranti celebrations, that began at the holy Sangam here today (Jan 14, 2006), in the wake of heightened threat perception following the terror attack in Bangalore and in view of rivalry among two religious groups.

A separate police line has been set up at the Magh mela ground, in addition to 11 police stations and 24 police outposts, where security personnel have been deployed in strength.

Besides, the district administration has requested the Government to provide a commando squad and a bomb disposal squad in view of the enhanced threat perception following the terrorist strikes in Ayodhya and Delhi and in Indian Institute of Science in Bangalore last year.

In order to tackle any accidental blaze, 11 fire stations and 885 fire hydrants have been provided.

Authorities here fear tempers are likely to run high over the alleged blocking of Ganga waters at the Tehri dam, with many religious groups and some Sangh Parivar outfits threatening to raise the issue at the Magh mela.

Last year's mela was also marked by clashes between the followers of Swami Vasudevananda Saraswati and Swami Swaroopananda Saraswati, pontiffs of Badrikashram and Dwarka Sharda shrines.

Swaroopananda has been questioning the validity of Vasudevananda's ascension to the post of Shankaracharya and a petition in this regard has already been filed in court.

With the presence of rival camps at the Magh mela, skirmishes between them cannot be ruled out.