is the real taj mahal safe?

TAJ SECURITY BEEFED UP
AFTER DGP'S VISIT

AGRA:
Is the real Taj Mahal safe? This question is being hotly debated in Agra. Given the specifics of the situation and total lack of coordination among various security agencies the question has assumed some importance. For the moment the security around the Taj Mahal has been tightened, but for how long people want to know.
On Sunday one could see additional deployment and some amount of extra vigil in the wake of Saturday's visit by UP's DGP Vikram Singh and other senior officials.
The fear in police circles is "because of the high number of foreign visitors the Taj Mahal could become an easy target of terrorists who would get maximum propaganda mileage," said an intelligence source.
For the past two days security checks and reviews have engaged senior police and administrative officials. Railway stations and bus stands have additional security bandobust. The bigger hotels have been told by the administration to make additional security arrangements and keep a 24 hour vigil on movement of visitors.
DGP Vikram Singh and Principal secretary home Kunwar Fateh Singh reviewed security arrangement at Mathura's Sri Krishna Janam Bhoomi on Saturday. Later in the evening they suggested shifting of the cloak room from the Taj Mahal's main gate. They were particularly keen to know how the security apparatus at the Taj Mahal would respond if there was a sudden terrorist attack, what were the arrangements to protect the tourists and how would the district magistrate and other officials reach the Taj Mahal. It was suggested that the rear of the Taj Mahal towards river Yamuna being totally exposed, should be taken under security cover and motor boats provided. Provision for checking of security staff in each shift should be made.

In the wake of tragic incidents in Mumbai the security arrangements have been strengthened for the moment, but fears being expressed by the tourism industry relate to the general laxity and an attitude of callousness displayed by the forces.
We should have better coordination among different agencies, there should be uninterrupted power supply and regular checking of vehicles moving around the monument. Also a permanent DIG level official exclusively for the Taj Mahal should be posted with powers to take prompt decisions," suggested president of the Braj Mandal Heritage Conservation Society Surendra Sharma. "Ad hocism and fire brigade approach to problems will not help," he added.

Of particular concern has been the movement of Bangladeshis in Agra. A large number of Pakistanis have been over staying in Agra. The local intelligence unit (LIU) got active on Saturday and started looking up hotels and mohallas within the city for the "lost foreigners" and others whose Visas had expired.

"To be honest it is not so much the efficient or good work by the security agencies that have saved this city so far, but the will of the providence and the alertness of the local citizens. The city is porous and open from all sides and the cops on check posts are easy prey to corrupt practices. Three state borders touch Agra making it easy for anti social elements to cross over to the other sides. A suggestion going round is to hand over the security of the Taj Mahal and other monuments to the army," says social activist Netra Pal Singh.