Andhra Pradesh DGP Harish Kumar Gupta on Friday said that Tirumala needs a robust security set-up, considering its popularity and worldwide sensitivity. Reviewing the security of Lord Venkateswara temple managed by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), he suggested having a standard operating procedure (SoP) for each security agency involved in Tirumala.
Security agencies such as the Andhra Pradesh Special Police (APSP), DAR, SPF, home guards, civil police and TTD security, along with a disaster management team, tackle exigencies and security needs at the temple complex.
"The state police chief strongly felt that a robust security set-up was needed for Tirumala, considering its popularity and sensitivity worldwide. The DGP has also suggested having an SoP for each security agency involved in Tirumala," said the temple body in a release.
Gupta also suggested a multi-layered vehicle scanning system at Alipiri and collaboration with defence agencies on sensor play system,
modernised security equipment and a strong cyber security system for TTD.
Echoing the DGP, TTD executive officer J Syamala Rao felt the need for a formal coordination mechanism on security, besides strengthening the cyber security set-up in Tirumala.
Also read: TTD bars land deals near Tirumala sacred hills
Earlier, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu had stated that only Hindus should work in the Venkateswara Swamy temple.
He, further, added that if there were any Christians or people of other faiths employed in the temple, they would be respectfully relocated to other positions without hurting their sentiments.
Naidu also expressed that if Christian or Muslim institutions do not allow Hindus to work in their organisations, the government would take steps to respect their wishes. He further announced the cancellation of the allotment of 35 acres of land in Tirupati, which had been designated for Devalok, MRKR, and Mumtaz Hotel projects, to protect the sanctity of the area. Naidu condemned the previous YSR Congress Party government for approving these allotments.
This move came after a recent protest by Hindu religious leaders, who demanded that the TDP-led coalition government stop the construction of hotels and other projects that could harm the sanctity of Tirumala.
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