Over 2 lakh Ansar-VDP personnel to deploy during Durga Puja festival

The Ansar-VDP force will deploy over two lakh personnel for ensuring security at nearly 31,600 Hindu religious sites during the upcoming Durga Puja.

The personnel will provide special security for nine consecutive days during 24 September-2 October, said a press release issued by the force on Monday.

The deployment and operational activities will be monitored through a tech-based system, said a press release. The Ansar-VDP persoonel would coordinate with other security agencies via a dedicated Puja-related smartphone app during the deployment, the release noted.

The deployment would be made under three categories. Eight personnel would be deployed for each "highly important" Hindu temple and religious site, six for every "important" religious site and six for every "normal" religious site.

Furthermore, 92 striking battalions, each comprising six personnel, will conduct patrols throughout all the 64 districts of the country during the Durga Puja festival.