Security has been intensified at the disputed site in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh with the deployment of two bullet proof vehicles capable of repulsing a terrorist attack. Manufactured by Mahindra Defence Systems, the two vehicles have cost the Uttar Pradesh Government a hefty sum of Rs. 75.41 lakh.
The lone Gypsy bullet proof vehicle, which hitherto manned the Ayodhya site till it was replaced by the more advanced version, has been sent to Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi.
Upgrading the security paraphernalia at the Ram Janmabhumi-Babri Masjid complex has coincided with the publication of excerpts of the Liberhan Commission report on the Babri Masjid demolition in a section of the Press on Monday.
The ADG ( Law and Order ), First, Brij Lal said here on Monday that in view of the publication of the news report, directives have been sent to all the district police chiefs for maintaining tight vigil, particularly in Ayodhya, Mathura and Varanasi and in communally sensitive places. The police has been asked to keep a close watch on anti-social elements out to disturb communal peace in the State, Mr. Lal said.
The Babri mosque was demolished on December 6, 1992.
Already, six companies of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and 14 companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) have been deployed at the Ayodhya site. In addition to this, about 417 personnel belonging to the other ranks of security personnel, including constables and sub-inspectors, were also stationed at the site.
The two Mahindra Rakshak vehicles boasted of a state of art technology with a capacity of six persons–four commandos, driver and an official. The vehicles are equipped with solid bullet-proof tyres as well. Since the roof of the vehicles can open due to its hydraulic system, it would enable the commandos to take quick position.
Owing to its advanced technology, the bullet-proof vehicles can reach the site of the attack within minutes with the commandos in a state of readiness. According to the ADG (Law and Order), a terrorist attack can be neutralised from a very close range. Besides, the vehicles can also be sued for patrolling purposes.
The Ayodhya complex has witnessed a terrorist attack in July 2005 and it was keeping in view the sensitive nature of the disputed site that priority has been given to upgrade the security arrangements there by the State Government.
Even as priority has been accorded to the security in Ayodhya, the UP police official said adequate security arrangements have been made in Mathura and Kashi ( Varanasi ) too.
