CRPF opened Ram Mandir doors closed by Naxals 21 years ago in Chhattisgarh

 The temple, which had been vandalized by Maoists in 2003, remained shut for over two decades, depriving villagers of their place of worship

Digital Desk: After 21 years of closure due to threats from Naxals, the doors of Lord Ram's temple in Keralapenda village, Sukma district, Chhattisgarh, have been reopened by CRPF personnel, noted ANI. This significant event follows the establishment of a CRPF camp in the area, allowing for increased security and access to interior villages.

The temple, which had been vandalized by Maoists in 2003, remained shut for over two decades, depriving villagers of their place of worship and cultural heritage. However, with the presence of security forces and the establishment of multiple camps across the region, including the CRPF's 74th battalion camp, the situation has gradually improved.

The initiative to reopen the temple came after the villagers expressed their desire to revive the sacred site. CRPF teams, along with local residents, collaborated to clean up the temple premises, paving the way for its reopening. Himanshu Pandey, Commandant of the CRPF 74 Corps, highlighted the collaborative effort between security personnel and villagers in restoring the temple to its former glory.

The reopening of the temple holds significant cultural and religious importance for the residents of Keralapenda, who had been denied access to their place of worship for over two decades. Despite the area's history of Maoist activity and threats, the determination of both security forces and local communities has triumphed in reclaiming this vital aspect of their heritage.

As the temple doors swing open once again, coinciding with the beginning of Chaitra Navratras, villagers are filled with gratitude towards CRPF officials and personnel for their tireless efforts. The symbolic gesture of reopening the temple not only signifies the restoration of a religious site but also reflects the resilience and unity of the community in the face of adversity.