Ayodhya: UP STF To Take Charge Of Ram Mandir's Security As CRPF's Stint To Protect Ram Janmabhoomi Nears An End

Ram Mandir Ayodhya: The soon-to-be inaugurated Ram Temple of Ayodhya will be provided a comprehensive security cover by a special police protection force of Uttar Pradesh Police, a senior government officer said on Tuesday. The complex which houses the Ram Mandir is currently under the protection of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), one of the paramilitary forces in the country.

The temple complex is spread over an expansion of 70 acres, housing the main temple and other buildings including rishi-muni premises which will host seven small temples. A special task force of the Uttar Pradesh government will provide round-the-clock security cover to the entire premises of the Ram Mandir complex.

PM Modi to inaugurate Ram Mandir on January 22

Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the Ram Mandir on January 22 in a 'Pran Pratishtha' (consecration) ceremony, following which the temple will be opened to the public.

The UP Police's special task force will ensure the security of the temple grounds, enclosing the main complex constructed in the traditional Nagara style. The dimensions of the complex are set at 380 feet in length (east-west), 250 feet in width, and 161 feet in height. The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), responsible for safeguarding the Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid complex since the mosque's demolition in December 1992, will be gradually withdrawn, according to the official.

CRPF - the Ramjanmabhoomi saviours to be withdrawn

CRPF had foiled a terrorist attack at the Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid in 2005, killing five militants. On July 5, 2005, a group of five terrorists targeted the temporary Ram temple at the former Babri Mosque site in Ayodhya, India. In the ensuing encounter with the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), all five attackers were killed. A civilian lost their life in a grenade attack by the terrorists. The CRPF endured three casualties, including two severely injured personnel with multiple gunshot wounds.

Supreme Court's historic 2019 judgment

In a landmark decision in 2019, the Supreme Court resolved a century-old temple-mosque dispute. The ruling supported the construction of the Ram temple at the contested site and mandated the allocation of an alternative five-acre plot for the mosque's construction.