Vaishnodevi shrine on terror radar

NEW DELHI: Vaishnodevi, one of the most visited pilgrimage centres in the country, is on the terror radar. “There is a threat to the cave shrine of Vaishnodevi from militants. We have received inputs that militants want to do some mischief,” special director general of Central Reserve Police Force N K Tripathi told reporters.

“Elaborate security measures are in place as per the threat perception. There is no laxity on part of the CRPF,” he said.

The official said jawans have been put on high level of vigilance and they started patrolling well before January 26 in Trikuta hills, the abode of cave shrine, Mr Tripathi said. “The shrine is secured and safe so pilgrims should not fear. They can undertake pilgrimage as CRPF is there for their security,” he added.

The CRPF is the agency providing security cover to the shrine. “I had visited the shrine for security review after the threat inputs. There is frisking of pilgrims, round the clock patrolling, check points, nakas and electronic surveillance at the shrine and around it,” the CRPF official said.

A recent advisory from the US State Department had also warned about the possibility of attacks on religious places. “The November 2008 attacks in Mumbai provide a vivid reminder that hotels, markets, and other public places are especially attractive targets for terrorist groups. US citizens are urged always to practice good security, maintain a heightened situational awareness and a low profile,” the State Department had said in its advisory issued four days ago.