State put on alert on proposed visit of Shinzo Abe

Security has been beefed up in Varanasi and the Intelligence agencies have been put on high alert in the wake of the proposed visit of Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe along with PM Narendra Modi on coming Saturday. Both Governor Ram Naik and Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav would be in Varanasi to welcome the high profile guests.

Administration has been directed to take measures following forecast of heavy fogs in the Temple City in coming days. “In view of Met Department’s forecast that Varanasi and adjoining districts would be in the grip of dense fog in the days to come, the local administration has been directed to take necessary steps to ensure smooth visit of the Japanese premier,” said IG, law and Order, A Satish Ganesh. 

Briefing the media in lucknow on Thursday, Ganesh said that the administration has chalked out a contingency plan for safe landing even if foggy conditions prevail. He informed that heavy police force and personnel of Central Para-Military Force and Provincial Armed Constabulary have been deputed at Varanasi.

They will be supervised by four Additional DG rank officers. Earlier the UP Home department had sent a requistion to the Centre demanding at least 15 more Central Para Military Force companies for the high-profile visit.