Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ayodhya, the city has been put under a thick security blanket with the National Security Guard and the Anti-Terrorist Squad on their toes.
The Prime Minister will inaugurate a slew of development and infrastructure projects, including the revamped railway station and new airport, on Saturday. He will also hold a road show on the same day, the rehearsal of which is being conducted on Friday.
Piyush Mordia, Additional Director General of Police, Lucknow Zone, said the area is under a security cover. "We are monitoring all areas with drones. To improve the traffic system, a traffic diversion plan has also been made," the Morida told ANI, adding that arrangements have been made to meet the Prime Minister's security requirements.
"Three DIG, 17 SP, 38 Additional SP, 82 Deputy SP, 90 Inspector, 325 Sub Inspector, 35 Female Sub Inspector, 2000 Constable, 14 Company PAC, 6 Company CRPF will be deployed as part of the security," he added.
#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Heavy security arrangements ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ayodhya tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/lAS958mQ1F
— ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2023
Security personnel have also been deployed at the premises of the new wing of the Ayodhya railway station where workers carry out civil work.
There is also an increased vigil on the India-Nepal border. "To prevent the movement of unwanted elements in the area, the security agencies have been asked to ascertain the identities of people before allowing them to cross over through the border," Deputy Inspector General, Sashastra Seema Bal, Gorakhpur, Akhileshvar Singh said.
"Cameras have been put on SSB posts besides the main roads. Dog squads and one platoon of women's wing have also been deployed. Metal detectors have been installed at Sonauli and Thuthibari outposts on the Indo-Nepal border," Singh said.
Security agencies such as Indo-Nepal Border Police, Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) and intelligence agencies have been asked to be on alert on the border. Intelligence units have also been asked to keep an eye on religious places along the border.
Yogi in Ayodhya
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath is taking stock of the preparations of security arrangements before the Prime Minister's visit. He has entrusted Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya is camping in Ayodhya for three days to look after preparations ahead of the Prime Minister's visit.
The streets of the temple have also been decked up to give the city a "divine look". On Thursday, strings of orange and yellow marigolds were being wrapped around ornamental lamp posts installed on the median of a redeveloped road stretch, now christened Ram Path. These lamp posts carry design elements on the top that depict religious symbols.