Security Alert in Haryana Ahead of Lord Ram's Idol Installation in Ayodhya

With the scheduled installation of Lord Ram's idol in Ayodhya on January 22, a security alert has been issued in sensitive areas of seven districts in Haryana, including Nuh, Gurugram, Faridabad, Palwal, Jhajjar, Yamuna Nagar, and Jind. The police have heightened vigilance, especially around religious places such as temples and mosques, and have advised people to exercise caution, particularly those planning to travel to Uttar Pradesh by train.

The police have increased security measures to prevent any untoward incidents and have identified sensitive locations, particularly in areas where clashes occurred during the immersion procession in August 2023. SP Narendra Bijarniya stated that special arrangements were being made near 'sensitive' locations.

Social media is being closely monitored for provocative messages and videos. The authorities have urged people to refrain from spreading any messages that could incite tensions. Efforts are underway to identify troublemakers involved in previous violent incidents.

In Nuh, where clashes took place last year, several locations have been declared sensitive, and SP Narendra Bijarniya mentioned that extra precautions were being taken. The police are also working on identifying individuals involved in the violence, and there is a possibility of pre-emptive arrests before the idol installation ceremony.

The intelligence agencies in the state are on high alert, considering the significance of the event and the upcoming Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha elections in Haryana. The government aims to avoid any disturbances during the election year, prompting the police to be on alert mode.

This alert is primarily in response to the violence that occurred in Nuh last year, resulting in six fatalities, including two Home Guard personnel and four civilians. Over 200 people were arrested, and internet services were suspended in more than five districts for over a month. The current security measures, involving both regular police and the CID, aim to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

Additionally, Haryana is making extensive preparations for live streaming the idol installation ceremony of Lord Ram in nearly 15,000 temples across the state. The state has also joined the list of regions observing a dry day on January 22, aligning with the prohibition of alcohol to mark the occasion.