Ram Mandir incident sparks demand to ‘preserve sanctity’
Ayodhya: The detention of a man from Jammu and Kashmir for allegedly attempting to offer namaz inside the Ram Mandir complex has triggered sharp reactions from several Hindu organisations and religious leaders, who are now demanding a complete ban on the entry of non-Hindus into the temple premises.
Reacting to the incident, leaders from multiple Hindu groups said the episode underlined the need for stricter access norms at the Ram Janmabhoomi site. “This is the time to impose a clear rule—only Hindus should be allowed inside the Ram Mandir complex to maintain its sanctity,” a senior functionary of a temple-linked organisation said. Drawing a comparison, the leaders argued that “similar restrictions exist in Mecca, where only followers of Islam are permitted entry.”
The demand gained momentum after security personnel stopped the man near a restricted area of the high-security complex and handed him over to police for questioning. Authorities said the situation was brought under control within minutes and there was no disruption to temple activities.
Hindu leaders asserted that the Ram Mandir is not just a place of worship but a symbol of faith for millions, and any unauthorised or provocative act inside the complex could hurt religious sentiments. They called on the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and the Uttar Pradesh government to formally codify entry rules and install additional layers of verification for visitors.
However, police officials maintained that existing security protocols were followed and that investigations into the detainee’s background and intent are still underway. Officials also said any decision on changing entry rules would rest with the temple trust and the government, not the police.
The incident has reopened a broader debate on access to major religious sites in India, balancing constitutional guarantees with demands from faith groups for exclusive religious sanctity. For now, authorities have urged restraint, saying policy decisions should not be rushed until all facts are verified.
