The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) has now taken over the charge of the newly inaugurated international airport in Uttar Pradeshs Ayodhya ahead of the Ram Mandir consecration, scheduled for January 22.CISF takes charge of Ayodhya Airports securityThe Maharishi Valmiki International Airport, Auodhyadham, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on December 30. The airport is likely to receive a heavy influx of flyers once the temple is opened to the public later this month.“At least 300 CISF personnel will provide round-the-clock security at the airport in the temple town. The CISF personnel at the airport will be headed by an officer of a deputy commandant rank,” an official aware of the details said, declining to be named.According to this latest development, the CISF, which comes under the Union Home Ministry, will be in charge of providing security at 68 civil airports in the country.Ram Mandir security updatesThe Ram Mandir complex in Ayodhya will continue to have joint security from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Uttar Pradeshs Special Security Force (SSF) at least through the January 22 consecration ceremony, officials aware of the arrangements said.While there were unofficial reports the SSF would take over temple security from the CRPF, officials denied any formal order had been issued yet.On January 22 and the first few weeks [after the ceremony], visitor numbers will be high so both forces will guard the complex, one anonymous official stated. The CRPF is currently manning the periphery, while the SSF handles access control, visitor checks, and crowd management.1100 CRPF personnel deployedUntil the CRPF withdraws, the temples security will match that of the Parliament complex, officials said. One CRPF battalion of around 1,100 personnel is posted at the temple, plus a team to address any incidents. At Parliament, a separate CRPF Parliament Duty Group serves that function.Ahead of the high-profile event, the CRPF and SSF are conducting mock drills at the temple, focusing on high-traffic areas. Formed in 2020 on the CISF model, the SSF secures key Uttar Pradesh sites after training with paramilitary units.
