CISF to cover Ajmer shrine by May end

JAIPUR: The Union government is likely to hand over the security cover of the shrine of Khawaja Moinuddin Hassan Chishty to the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Sources said the Centre had already passed the order in this regard before the model code of conduct was in place and will be implemented after it is lifted in May end.

"It is certain that CISF will replace the local police. Once the model code of conduct is lifted on May 16, the ground survey on deciding number of personnel, shifts and lodging place for them in Ajmer will be decided," a senior government official said. He further said top CISF officials are likely to meet officials of Rajasthan to plan and execute the security in the shrine.

The decision came considering the rising criminal incidents, including clashes and pick pocketing. The inefficiency of police in handling the security was again highlighted after violent clashes between two groups at the shrine on Tuesday amid presence of hundreds of policemen and lakhs of devotees during the annual Urs. This incident came as an embarrassment for the local police.

Thousands of devotees found their mobile phones, wallets and luggage missing due to poor security at the shrine.

The handing over of the security of the dargah to the CISF was first proposed by former chief minister Ashok Gehlot in 2008 during the chief ministers' meet in New Delhi. This is not the first incident of clashes between khadims.

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