Returning 67.7 acres: Security will have to be reworked first

New Delhi: The heavy security imposed around 67.7 acres in Ayodhya that has the complex out of bounds to the public will need to be “drastically reworked” if the land is returned to its previous owners before the dispute is settled, two former chiefs of the forces told ET.

“CRPF guards a highly sensitive area, especially in light of the terror threat. Opening up the area would mean installing access control systems to regulate entry or limiting security to the perimeter of the 2.77 acres of the disputed area,” a former CRPF chief told ET, on condition of anonymity. A senior IPS officer who once headed the UP Provincial Armed Constabulary that too guards the complex also told ET that the government’s proposal has “security aspects” as the 67.7 acres are out of bounds and a strict security drill is followed for pilgrims who visit the make-shift temple. “If the surrounding area is handed back to the Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas and construction begins, men and material for the site will need to be screened,” he said on condition of anonymity.

In 2005, armed terrorists drove up a jeep to the perimeter of the 67.7 acre complex, before blowing up the vehicle, breaching the fencing and entering the secured area. Some terrorists blew themselves up inside the 67.7 acres while some others managed to get close to the makeshift temple and tried to lob grenades before they were gunned down by the CRPF. The security measures at the acquired site were enhanced significantly after the attack, with vehicles stopped at the outer perimeter.


However, VHP spokesman Sharad Sharma told ET that security should not be an issue. “Wasn’t Parliament given better security after the terror attack on it? Aren’t security forces able to defend Parliament and other prominent tourist spots and temples in the country? Security forces will be able to realign their arrangements at the Ram Janmabhoomi complex too,” Sharma said.