Drones, Snipers And Bomb Squads: All About Ayodhya Security Ahead Of Ram Temple Event
Snipers positioned on rooftops and important locations enhance security measures. The Intelligence Bureau and RAW are also actively monitoring activities.
Ayodhya is all set to welcome Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the consecration ceremony at the newly constructed Ram Mandir. The 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony, marking the installation of the idol of Ram Lalla, is set to be a grand affair, with representatives from diverse spiritual and religious sects, various tribal communities, and prominent personalities in attendance.
VIDEO | Security heightened in Ayodhya as Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony nears. Visuals of ATS patrolling in the city. pic.twitter.com/IsXQ8ovcOO
¡ª Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 18, 2024
All about security
Ensuring security for the consecration ceremony is a multi-layered effort, featuring 10,000 CCTV cameras, drones with artificial intelligence, and police personnel in plain clothes.
According to India Today, Uttar Pradesh DG (Law and Order), Prashant Kumar, said that besides the 13,000 forces deployed, cops are using artificial intelligence-powered CCTV to better the security system in Ayodhya. The CCTV cameras have been installed across Ayodhya for 24x7 monitoring ahead of the 'Pran Pratistha'. There is also anti-drone technology.
Movable barriers with barbed wires facilitate traffic regulation, and multiple NDRF teams are deployed to handle various potential emergencies. Snipers positioned on rooftops and important locations enhance security measures. The Intelligence Bureau and RAW are also actively monitoring activities.
Anti-bomb and dog squads have also been deployed, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has set up a camp near the shrine in Ayodhya to respond to contingencies, if any, news agency ANI reported.
While over 7,000 people are invited, a select list of 506 A-listers includes notable figures such as Amitabh Bachchan, Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, and Sachin Tendulkar.
#WATCH | Ayodhya: Security tightened in Ayodhya ahead of the Pran Pratishtha at the Ram Mandir on January 22.
¡ª ANI (@ANI) January 19, 2024
(Visuals from Lata Mangeshkar Chowk) pic.twitter.com/xqzPFAr6e0
Ram Mandir ceremony
Scheduled to commence at 12:20 pm, the ceremony is expected to conclude by 1 pm, after which Prime Minister Modi will address the gathering. Notably, he will interact with 'shramjeevis' involved in the temple's construction. The Prime Minister is also slated to visit Kuber Tila, where an ancient Shiv temple has been restored, and perform a 'pooja' there.
The architectural marvel
The magnificent Ram Janmbhoomi Mandir, constructed in the traditional Nagara style, stands as a testament to architectural brilliance. Spanning 380 feet in length, 250 feet in width, and reaching a height of 161 feet, the temple boasts 392 pillars and 44 doors. The intricately sculpted depictions of Hindu deities on its pillars and walls add to its grandeur. At the main sanctum sanctorum on the ground floor, the idol of Ram Lalla has found its place.
Rituals & decoration
Initiated on January 16 with rituals at the Saryu river, the consecration ceremonies will culminate on Monday afternoon during the auspicious 'abhijeet muhurta,' according to the trust overseeing the temple. With the central government declaring a half-day off on January 22, many states have followed suit, allowing people to witness the event live on TV and online platforms.
The 'Pran Pratishtha' will witness the participation of 14 couples from different parts of India as 'yajmaans' (hosts). Sculpted by Arun Yogiraj from Mysuru, the new 51-inch idol of Ram Lalla was placed in the sanctum sanctorum last Thursday.
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Ayodhya is adorned with flowers and special lights, and the city exudes a vibrant religious fervor. Streetlights on flyovers showcase artwork depicting Lord Ram, and ornamental lampposts carry designs themed on the traditional "Ramanandi tilak."
Despite the grandeur of the occasion, several opposition leaders have declined invitations, with the Congress describing it as a "BJP-RSS event." As Ayodhya gears up for this historic event, the consecration of the Ram Mandir stands as a significant milestone in the cultural and religious landscape of India.
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