Security beefed up in Uttar Pradesh
Sunday, November 25, 2007

Haridwar/Varanasi (UP), Nov 25 (ANI): Security has been beefed up around various religious and other sensitive areas in Uttar Pradesh, following the Friday's multiple blasts in Varanasi, Faizabad and Lucknow. 

Tight security arrangements have been made at religious places such as Haridwar and Varanasi in wake of the blasts that claimed the lives of at least 15 people, including four lawyers, and injured over 80. 

Police personnel and bomb squads are deployed at all major temples and along the banks of River Ganga, where pilgrims turn up in large numbers.  

"Since last two days we are checking all the people who are coming here or staying in the rest-houses or hotels. We have deployed bomb squads who are combing all the sensitive places like parking areas," said Ashok Kumar, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Garhwal Range. 

But the blasts have not moved the faith of the devotees, who thronged Varanasi to celebrate Dev Diwali, a festival celebrated after the festival of light, Diwali. 

Devotees lighted earthen lamps and performed religious rituals on the banks of River Ganga in Varanasi. 

"We want to send them (terrorists) a message that no matter how hard you try to spread darkness in our life, it will be full of light," said Ravishankar Tripathi, a devotee. 

"There is no question of fear where there is faith. The best thing is that security arrangements are really good," said Anil Kumar, another devotee. (ANI) -AJ