Date:09/06/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/06/09/stories/2005060913990800.htm

Tamil Nadu

Plan drawn up for Kandadevi temple car festival

Staff Reporter

3,000 policemen would be deployed in strategic locations

RAMANATHAPURAM: : The police have drawn up a plan for the smooth conduct of the car festival of the Swarnamurtheeshwarar temple at Kandadevi in Sivaganga district, scheduled for June 21.

Deputy Inspector General of Police A. Alexander Mohan told The Hindu that 3,000 policemen would be deployed in strategic locations.

The personnel, drawn mostly from the Tamil Nadu Special Police and the Armed Reserve, would be deputed from Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, Ramanathapuram, Thirunelveli, Kanyakumari and Virudhunagar districts.

If need be, additional force would be called from other districts. Modern gadgets would be deployed in sensitive areas

Intelligence sleuths penetrated into trouble-prone areas, including Unjanai, Kandadevi, Devakottai and Iravuseri.

The movement of outsiders would be monitored. The services of revenue officials would also be utilised.

"We want to run the car successfully; at the same time we are prepared to meet any eventuality," he said.

Mr. Alexander Mohan said the success of last year's festival was due to the joint efforts of various departments.

The strategy for this year's festival was prepared based on the plan adopted last year.