Puri: In response to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following a recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, a specialized unit of the National Security Guard (NSG) conducted high-level discussions with senior officials of the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA) on Tuesday.
The talks focused on fortifying security at the revered 12th-century Jagannath Temple in Puri, a major pilgrimage site that attracts millions of devotees and tourists annually.
The NSG team is assessing the temple’s existing security framework, identifying vulnerabilities, and proposing advanced measures to protect the premises and its visitors. This initiative is part of a broader effort to safeguard critical installations across India, with the NSG conducting reconnaissance at various strategic locations.
Prior to engaging with temple authorities, the NSG held preliminary talks with the Puri district police. Further discussions are planned with Puri’s Superintendent of Police (SP), Vinit Agarwal, to develop a comprehensive plan for enhanced surveillance and rapid response mechanisms.
Agarwal emphasized that the NSG’s visit is a proactive step to strengthen security, stating, “While there is no specific terror threat at present, we are preparing to counter any potential emergency.” He noted that the NSG’s review will focus on the temple, its heritage corridor, and surrounding areas in Puri.
The NSG’s activities in Puri align with a nationwide mock drill scheduled for tomorrow, aimed at testing the preparedness of security agencies. The drill will adhere to Central government guidelines, ensuring coordinated responses to potential crises. “This is a routine security review, and the NSG’s insights will help us refine our first-response systems and inter-agency coordination,” Agarwal added.
The government’s proactive measures underscore its commitment to safeguarding one of India’s most sacred sites amid rising global security concerns.
