UP News: Security measures in Ayodhya have been significantly ramped up after an audio message allegedly from Canada-based Khalistani leader Gurpatwant Singh Pannun surfaced on social media, threatening violence at the Ram temple on November 16 and 17. Senior police officials confirmed the threat on Monday, noting that authorities are taking every precaution to safeguard the area. Pannun, who leads the US-based group Sikhs for Justice (SFJ) advocating for Punjabs secession as Khalistan, has issued multiple threats targeting Indian institutions.Police Vigilant Amid Threat VerificationInspector General of Ayodhya Range, Praveen Kumar, reassured the public, stating, “Ayodhya is already fortified and police as well as paramilitary forces deployed here are ready to counter any terror threat round the clock.” While efforts are ongoing to verify the authenticity of Pannuns viral audio message, law enforcement agencies remain on high alert.In anticipation of large crowds attending the ongoing Kartik Parikrama Mela, which concludes on November 15, police officials have implemented comprehensive security protocols. This event has historically drawn thousands of devotees, making heightened security critical in the wake of the latest threat.Previous Threats and Arrests Linked to Khalistani ElementsAyodhya has been targeted by Khalistani groups before, with past threats involving bombings and potential Fidayeen attacks. Authorities have managed to prevent these incidents thus far. Earlier this year, on January 18, the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) arrested three suspects linked to Khalistani networks as they conducted reconnaissance in Ayodhya, just days ahead of a major ceremony at the Shri Ram Janambhoomi temple.The three suspects, identified as Rajasthan residents Shankar Dussad, also known as Shankar Jajod, Ajit Kumar Sharma, and Pradeep Puniya, were arrested in connection with a Khalistani plot. Following these arrests, another audio message surfaced, allegedly from Pannun, directing threats toward Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Pannuns message warned that the Ram temple consecration “would not save” the chief minister, declaring that SFJ would hold him accountable on January 22.
