TN: 1,500 cops deployed for Amit Shah's Tiruvannamalai visit
Tiruvannamalai, August 8
Tight security arrangements have been put in place in Tiruvannamalai ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit on Saturday, with around 1,500 police personnel deployed across the city.
A three-tier security cover has also been put in place, involving state police personnel and central security forces. Security has been strengthened at key locations, including the helicopter landing site, the Girivalam path, the Ramana Maharshi Ashram and the Arunachaleswarar Temple.
Amit Shah is scheduled to arrive by helicopter at the landing site in the Adi Annamalai area at around 4 pm. From there, he will travel by road along the Girivalam path and participate in a special pooja at the Ramana Maharshi Ashram.
The Union Home Minister is scheduled to visit the Arunachaleswarar Temple at around 6 pm and offer prayers.
The police have made elaborate arrangements along the route that Shah is expected to take. Personnel have been deployed at various strategic points to ensure security during his movement and at the venues he is scheduled to visit.
Tiruvannamalai is one of the Pancha Bhoota Sthalas, representing the element of fire. The town is a major pilgrimage centre and is known for the sacred Arunachala hill and the Arunachaleswarar Temple.
The Girivalam path around the Arunachala hill is also an important pilgrimage route, with devotees traditionally undertaking a circumambulation of the hill.
In view of the high-profile visit, security agencies have been coordinating arrangements across the city. The three-tier security system has been put in place to regulate movement and ensure the safety of the Union Home Minister during his visit.
Shah is scheduled to undertake a two-day visit to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry on Saturday and Sunday.
The Tiruvannamalai visit is part of his scheduled programme in the region. Security personnel have been deployed well in advance at the landing site and other important locations to ensure smooth movement and maintain security throughout the visit.
— ANI
Reader Comments
1,500 cops for one visit? Seems a bit excessive for a spiritual visit. But then again, security is security. I just hope the local residents aren't inconvenienced too much with all the road closures and restrictions around the Girivalam path.
Visiting the Arunachaleswarar Temple is a beautiful gesture. This temple is one of the most revered Shiva temples in India. I hope the Home Minister gets to experience the spiritual energy of this place. Good security planning is always welcome regardless of who's visiting.
I appreciate the elaborate security arrangements. In today's times, you can't be too careful with VIP visits. The three-tier system is a standard protocol and it's good to see it being implemented properly here. Hope the visit goes off without any issues.
The Girivalam path is sacred for many devotees who walk around Arunachala hill daily. I hope the security measures don't disrupt their routine too much. It's a delicate balance between security needs and respecting local traditions. Hopefully all goes smoothly.
Interesting to see such a high-profile visit to a temple town. Tiruvannamalai is indeed special - one of the Pancha Bhoota Stalas representing fire. Hope the Home Minister gets to see the beauty of the Arunachala hill. The security setup seems well-coordinated.
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