By Arshad Afzaal Khan

Ayodhya, Aug 5 (IANS): Apart from heavy security in Ayodhya for the Bhumi Pujan programme of the Ram temple, special provisions have been made for the safety of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the coronavirus pandemic with a selected force of 150 young, Covid-free policemen forming the inner cordon of his protection.

Over 300 young policemen who are fit and have tested Corona negative have been deployed for the security of the Prime Minister, who is in Ayodhya to lay the foundation stone, and 150 of them have been specially selected for the inner security ring, sources said.

Ayodhya DIG Deepak Kumar told IANS that not only has Ayodhya district been sealed off, but the borders with Nepal in neighbouring districts have also been sealed with the deputation of heavy security contingents, headed by senior police officials.

About 100 checkposts have been activated on all the roads leading to Ayodhya, Ayodhya district has been declared as a no-fly zone and security forces have been deployed in Saryu river, he said.

As the Ram Janmabhoomi site is situated in a densely-populated area of Ayodhya, SPG commandos and sharp shooters have been deployed on roofs of all houses and nearby temples.

Meanwhile, even stray cattle are being prevented from entering or roaming around the temple town with 500 workers from the Ayodhya Municipal Board deployed to control them.