Ayodhya: Tension At Ram Temple As Kashmiri Youth Tries To Offer Namaz, Detained

Ayodhya Ram Mandir: Security arrangements at the Ram Temple complex in Ayodhya were thrown into disarray when a Kashmiri youth was detained by security forces while allegedly engaging in religious activity. According to eyewitnesses, the youth attempted to offer prayers near Sita Rasoi in the southern perimeter area of the Ram Temple complex. 

What do we know about the incident?

The youth was dressed in traditional Kashmiri attire. He had entered through Gate D1 of the Ram Temple and was allegedly trying to offer namaz inside the temple complex. The arrested youth has been identified as Ahmed Sheikh, a resident of Shopian in Kashmir.

According to eyewitnesses, when stopped by security personnel, the youth allegedly started shouting slogans, after which the security forces present at the spot immediately took him into custody.

Upon receiving information about the incident, intelligence agencies, local police, and senior administrative officials became active. The youth is being interrogated, and his intentions and background are being thoroughly investigated.

When did the incident occur?

This incident is reported to have taken place on Saturday morning. However, the district administration has not yet issued any official statement on the matter. The Ram Temple Trust has also remained silent on the entire episode. Officials informed the media that given the sensitivity of the matter, security agencies are investigating every aspect to prevent any kind of rumours or law and order situation from arising.

What steps have the authorities taken?

A complete ban has now been imposed on the sale and home delivery of any kind of non-vegetarian food within a 15-kilometer radius around the Ram Temple complex in Ayodhya. The administration says that this step has been taken to protect faith and religious sentiments.

What was the complaint?

According to administrative sources, there were multiple complaints regarding the supply of non-vegetarian food through online food delivery apps in the Panchkosi Parikrama area. The complaints stated that non-vegetarian food was being delivered to tourists and locals in the prohibited area. Following these complaints, the administration decided to strictly ban online delivery services as well. Officials also reported that some hotels and homestays were found to be serving not only non-vegetarian food but also alcohol to guests. Considering these cases serious, stern warnings have been issued to the establishments concerned, and action has been threatened for any further violations of the rules.

Is liquor still being sold in the area?

It is noteworthy that the Ayodhya Municipal Corporation had decided to ban the sale of meat and alcohol on the 14-kilometer-long Ram Path connecting Ayodhya and Faizabad. However, local residents allege that this ban on alcohol sales has not yet been effectively implemented, and several liquor shops are still operating in the Ram Path area. In response, a municipal corporation official clarified that the process of removing meat shops has been completed, but action against liquor shops requires permission from the district administration, which is causing a delay in the process.