Security in Ayodhya, the temple town in Uttar Pradesh, has been heightened following a threat from Khalistani terrorist and Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. Pannun has claimed plans to target the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and other Hindu temples on November 16 and 17.
Armed security personnel keep vigil at Ayodhya's Ram Mandir. Source: PTI | File.
In a video message released on Monday, allegedly filmed in Brampton, Canada, Pannun stated, "We will shake the foundations of Ayodhya, birthplace of the violent Hindutva ideology."
This message is considered a direct threat to one of India’s most revered sites, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January of this year.
Ayodhya becomes a fortress following Pannun's threat
In response to the threat from Pannun, security measures in Ayodhya have been heightened, with CCTV cameras and drones now in place to maintain continuous monitoring of critical areas, especially around the Ram Janmabhoomi complex.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, Ayodhya Range Inspector General (IG) of Police, Praveen Kumar, was quoted as saying, “Ayodhya is already fortified and police as well as paramilitary forces deployed here are ready to counter any terror threat round the clock.”
“The police, however, are cross checking the authenticity of Pannun’s viral threat message being circulated on social media,” Kumar further said.
“Following the threat, we have strengthened security,” SSP RK Nayyar was quoted as saying by ToI.
The HT report also cited a senior police officer who stated that comprehensive security measures have been implemented for the ongoing Kartik Parikrama Mela, which is scheduled to conclude on November 15.
He went on to mention that similar threat videos had previously emerged, involving Khalistani terrorists and other extremist groups, who had issued threats of bombings and 'Fidayeen' attacks in Ayodhya. However, law enforcement agencies successfully prevented these incidents.
In the meantime, Pannun, who was declared a terrorist under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) in July 2020, also declared plans to disrupt events where Indian diplomats are conducting life certificate camps for the diaspora in Canada.
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