Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine’s Security Increased
By shantanu, Gaea News NetworkTuesday, March 16, 2010
JAMMU, INDIA (GaeaTimes.com)- The security arrangements at the famous Mata Vaishno Devi shrine has been stepped up as ordered by NN Vohra, the governor of Jammu and Kashmir. The decision was taken after a meeting attended by the governor and top police officials of the state recently. The governor had said in his statement that the need to step up the security at the shrine has increased after terrorist attack threat at popular pilgrimage places have increased in recent times. Every year thousands of devotees come to the shrine for getting the blessing of the goddess and the number of tourists and foreigners among those visitors are significant too.
The mata Vaishno Devi shrine is situated at the northern part of Jammu city and it is above 5,200 feet and so the journey proves to be a tedious one. However, the hardship of the journey cannot deter the devotees who spend a lot of money and battle the odds to reach the shrine. The 13 km stretch is now guarded by both the Jammu and Kashmir police and Central Reserve Police Force. The terrorists could take advantage of the 9 day long navratras festival that is being celebrated each year. This year the festival is beginning on March 16th.
The rush of the pilgrims at the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine increases during the navratras festival and the state administration does not want to take any chances. In 2003, the terrorists tried to attack Banganga, where the journey to the shrine begins. The incident left 20 people injured and 7 killed.
