A fortified city readies for ‘bhoomi pujan’

Ayodhya has been turned into a virtual fortress ahead of the “bhoomi pujan” for the upcoming shrine to Lord Ram in the temple town on Wednesday. Different agencies have teamed up to form a security ring around the Hindu pilgrim centre, where the land worship marking the foundation stone laying ceremony will be held in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Ayodhya district borders will be sealed this evening onwards owing to the threat perception and the presence of VVIPS for the high-profile event. Only those with valid passes or local residents will be allowed to enter the district after they are screened and clear security checks. According to sources, about 3,500 policemen, 40 companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary and 10 companies of the Central Reserve Police Force have been deployed from other districts in Ayodhya.

The ceremony will be held in conformation to the safety and health protocols imposed by the Covid19 pandemic. While the state traffic department has laid down an elaborate route diversion chart that will be effective for Ayodhya for the next two -three days, a green corridor has also been chalked out to allow ambulances to pass.

Meanwhile, t he Special Protection Group took charge of the security arrangements of the highly protected Ram Janmabhoomi complex — that houses the makeshift Ram Lalla (infant deity) temple — on Sunday.

Other than the prime minister, only about 180 guests are expected to attend the foundation laying ceremony of the temple. It includes Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust chairman Mahant Nritya G opal Das, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat, UP Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, besides senior Vishwa Hindu Parishad and RSS leaders.

Modi will address the gathering and is also slated to launch development, tourism and infrastructure projects totalling almost ~500 crore during his brief visit to Ayodhya. Only those policement who are below the age of 45 years and have tested negative for Covid-19 will be deployed for the his inner security net.

On July 17, Chief Minister Adityanath had held a video conference with senior officials in Ayodhya and underlined the priority accorded by the government to the various projects in the town in view of Wednesday’s event. The CM has visited Ayodhya twice to take stock of arrangements before Modi's visit.

The temple will be built with donations and voluntary contributions by members of the public and organisations from India and abroad.

Modi is slated to launch projects totalling almost ~500 crore. Only those policement who are below the age of 45 years and have tested negative for Covid-19 will be deployed for the his inner security net