The Maharashi Valmiki International Airport security was taken over by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) on Wednesday, ahead of the idol's consecration ceremony at the Ram Temple in Ayodhya. With the public opening of the new temple complex on January 23, the recently constructed international airport in Uttar Pradesh, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi opened on December 30, is expected to see a significant flood of travelers.
Officials who are aware of the specific security measures in place at the temple complex have stated that, up until January 22, the Special Security Force (SSF) of Uttar Pradesh and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) will work together to protect the complex. Unverified rumors stated that the CRPF would turn over security for the temple complex to SSF, however those with knowledge of the situation stated that no directive has been sent to withdraw the CRPF as of yet.
People familiar with the situation claimed that the security protocol would probably resemble that of the Parliament till directives from the Center are given to remove the CRPF from the protection. The police's Special Support Force (SSF) will handle guest management, access control, and checking while CRPF forces patrol the perimeter.
Currently, the Ram temple is under the guardianship of one battalion of the CRPF, which numbers about 1100 soldiers. In order to handle any unpleasant situation, another team will be assigned. In order to handle any intrusion or attack, a distinct CRPF squad known as the Parliament Duty Group (PDG) is stationed at the Parliament. The two troops are holding practice runs inside the temple complex in the lead-up to the consecration event on January 22. They are paying particular attention to the places where there will be a lot of foot traffic. The SSF protects important installations in Uttar Pradesh and was established in 2020 along the lines of the CISF. Paramilitary forces trained the members of the SSF.
A deputy commandant-ranking officer will be in charge of the CISF staff stationed at the airport. At least 68 airports nationwide are currently under the force's jurisdiction.
