The disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid complex at Ayodhya may soon find itself under an extraordinary security cover of bullet-proof steel walls following a petition by the central government in the Supreme Court to allow bolstering of security arrangements at the site. What is more, the security plan goes on to envisage an elaborate system of barricades and fortifications all over the temple town.The petition filed by the Home Ministry gives details of constructions worth Rs 7.22 crores. According to the blueprint prepared, a temporary structure of bullet-proof steel measuring 11 feet by 7.5 feet would be erected on all four sides of the disputed structure. A double wall of steel filled with mud would be placed behind to absorb any rocket attacks.The expenditure for the above structure is estimated at Rs 30 lakh which includes a provision for air conditioning. The plan also calls for barricading of Sita Rasoi and Vishwamitra Ashram, construction of walls near Ved Mandir and Singh Dwar, building one permanent structure at each of the 21 checkpoints in the town, and ten bullet proof towers for security personnel to keep watch from.The Centre has sought permission from the SC due to an earlier judgement passed calling for maintenance of status quo at the site till the matter was sub-judice. The petition filed by the Centre argues that the structures would be temporary and can be removed at any time.On July 5 last year, the heavily guarded complex was attacked by five militants all of whom were gunned down by security forces. Sources said the decision to upgrade the security was taken last year at a meeting chaired by Home Secretary V K Duggal and attended by top officials of the state government.
