Amid heightened security in Ayodhya, compassion passes, so does a bride

Officers initially asked the couple to switch to a vehicle with a valid pass, an option the family said would force the bride to alight on the roadside.

However, a senior police intervened and, after verifying the situation, granted a one-time exemption so the newlyweds could proceed.

“What can we do. There have been applications for 42 wedding seeking car pass permissions for these two days, but we allowed this on humanitarian grounds,” said Manoj Sharma, SHO Ayodhya Kotwali.

The permission came amid an heightened security operations in the state.

Under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s direction, authorities have established an extensive cover for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit for the ceremonial flag-hoisting on Tuesday.

Officials say 6,970 personnel, including ATS commandos, NSG snipers, cyber experts and technical teams, have been deployed, supported by anti-drone technology, X-ray scanners, vehicle scanners and expanded CCTV surveillance. Bomb squads, dog units and rapid response teams are stationed across the city.

Vigil has also been stepped up along the India-Nepal border in Maharajganj. Uttar Pradesh Police and the Sashastra Seema Bal have increased patrols and identity checks at crossing points, and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and local intelligence units are on alert after inputs about possible insurgent movement.

The measures aim to ensure both the smooth conduct of the ceremony and public safety.