In a heartwarming gesture of community service, CRPF soldiers have reopened the Ram temple in Keralapenda village, Sukma district, fulfilling the long-standing request of the local villagers. Closed for 21 years by Naxalites, the temple’s doors were opened by CRPF personnel, ushering in a wave of joy and happiness among the villagers just ahead of the Navratri festival. The Ram temple, a symbol of faith and devotion for the villagers, had remained shut since around the year 2003, when Naxalites issued directives for its closure. However, despite the temple’s closure, members of a local family continued to offer prayers outside its premises daily, albeit discreetly, out of reverence. Inspired by the recent consecration of the Ram statue in Ayodhya and bolstered by the presence of new security forces in the area, the villagers seized the opportunity to appeal to the CRPF personnel stationed nearby to reopen the temple. Responding to the villagers’ plea, the CRPF 74th Battalion organised a medical camp within the temple premises, symbolising their commitment to welfare of local community.

 

Together with the villagers, CRPF soldiers undertook the task of cleaning the temple, clearing the path to the sacred site, and ultimately unlocking its doors. The reopening of the temple was met with collective prayers and expressions of gratitude from the villagers, who also availed themselves of medical treatment and medicines provided at the CRPF medical camp. The reopening of the Ram temple stands as a testament to the resilience and determination of the local community, bolstered by the support and goodwill of the CRPF personnel dedicated to serving and safeguarding the welfare of the people.