THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
Ayodhya, Jan 21: The Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS) commandos were stationed at Lata Mangeshkar Chowk ahead of the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony on Monday, putting Ayodhya under strict security ahead of the grand opening of the Ram Temple.
The Uttar Pradesh Police mentioned that advanced and modern technology has been employed for comprehensive security measures during the event.
Drones deployed
A day before the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ritual, the police have used drones to cover the temple town with a proper security perimeter.
The Uttar Pradesh Police has strategically positioned personnel across the city, ensuring patrols on land, water, and air for comprehensive security coverage.
Piyush Mordia, Additional Director General (ADG) of the Lucknow Zone, mentioned that patrols on the Saryu River involve the use of boats, and aerial surveillance is being conducted with the assistance of drones.
“Our personnel have been deployed in Ayodhya for the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony. A security briefing was held for all the deployed personnel again today. Briefing and debriefing sessions are being conducted daily with officers. Drones that have been deployed in the entire district are also being used for aerial surveillance. Patrolling on the Saryu River is being done through boats,” a senior police officer said.
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Anti-bomb, dog squads
As pilgrims and dignitaries began to flow into the temple town of Ayodhya, anti-bomb squad and dog squad teams were also dispatched to the Maharishi Valmiki International Airport.
The officials stated that no one was permitted to access the airport without a pass and that all vehicles entering and departing the airport were subject to extensive inspections.
NDRF teams
As per authorities, a camp has been established by the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) in close proximity to the shrine in Ayodhya to address any unforeseen situations.
“Three NDRF teams have been deployed here ahead of the ‘Pran Pratishtha’ ceremony on January 22. The deployment has been done in coordination with the local administration and police,” stated Manoj Kumar Sharma, Deputy Inspector General of Police, NDRF.
“One of our teams has been deployed at the ghats. We are ready to deal with all sorts of contingencies,” he further stated.
Close surveillance: Ayodhya IG
Praveen Kumar, Inspector General of Ayodhya, stated that effective security measures have been put in place in coordination with relevant agencies to ensure the city’s safety.
“The visitors have already started arriving for the ‘Pran Pratishtha’. We are ensuring close surveillance through drone cameras and human intelligence. All security loopholes are being identified and addressed on priority. We are confident that the mega event on January 22 will pass off without a hitch,” Ayodhya IG Praveen Kumar stated.
The event is expected to be attended by approximately 8,000 VIP guests. Leaders and dignitaries from various fields have been invited to the grand opening of the Ayodhya temple.
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