Terror threat: Ayodhya temples turn fortresses

In the wake of intelligence inputs that the town was on the target of militants, police have banned a list of items in major temples in Ayodhya besides prohibiting devotees from carrying sweets inside shrines.

"Now devotees will not be allowed to carry bags, umbrellas, camera, tape recorders and other electronic items, including mobile phones inside temples. They have also been prohibited from carrying sweets as offerings inside temples," Superintendent of Police, city, G N Khanna told PTI.

Hidden close circuit cameras have also been installed at all major temples in Ayodhya.

He said the measures had been initiated after inputs from intelligence agencies that Ayodhya was on the target of some extremist forces.

Though the drill is bound to cause inconvenience to devotees and priests, the police has sought their cooperation for the sake of security of temples, Khanna said.

Temples like Hanuman Garhi, Kanak Bhawan, Dashrath Mahal, Bara Sthan, Hanuman Bagh, Chawni along with more than a dozen major temples of Ayodhya had been included in the drill.