New Delhi: The Union Home Ministry has sought the Supreme Court's permission to put up a temporary bulletproof, steel structure on the four sides of the Ram Lalla idol at Ayodhya to protect it from rocket attack.

In an application filed in May, the Ministry said intelligence inputs warned of a possible attack on certain important Hindu temples including the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid complex. To avoid any terrorist attack on the disputed structure, it was necessary to erect an air-conditioned, bulletproof structure measuring 11 x 11ft with a height of 7.5 feet.

Makeshift structure

The Ministry proposed to have a wooden roof and an internal wall also. Behind the idol there would be a makeshift double steel wall structure filled with mud to keep the temperature low. All 13 watchtowers around the complex would also be made bullet proof.

These measures would be in addition to the security steps already in place. The total expenditure on strengthening security measures, Rs. 7.22 crores, was already released to the Faizabad Divisional Commissioner.

Why permission

The Ministry sought permission to put up the temporary security structure as the court had ordered status quo on any construction or work in the complex until the dispute was resolved. On July 5 last terrorists launched an attack at Ayodhya but it was foiled by Central Reserve Police Force personnel, who gunned down all five intruders, later identified as belonging to the Lashkar-e-Taiba.

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