CRPF jawans reopened Ramalaya which was closed by Naxals

Amaravati: A temple which was closed by Naxals almost two decades ago was reopened by Central Reserve Police Force jawans on Monday. In 1970, Bihari Maharaja built a temple near Lakhapal and Keralapenda villages in Sukma district of Chhattisgarh state, where Naxal influence is high. Naxals closed this temple in 2003 to prevent any worship in this temple. Due to their threats, no one dared to open the doors of the temple of Lord Rama for almost 21 years from then till now. Lakhapal camp for CRPF 74th battalion was set up near Keralapenda village in 2023 as part of the program to root out Naxals (Maoists). With the presence of CRPF battalion in this area, the influence of Naxals is gradually disappearing. The villagers told the CRPF personnel about the ancient Ram temple in their village. CRPF officials have taken steps to reopen the temple and perform pujas as usual. The locked temple doors were opened and the temple surroundings were cleaned. Later, traditional puja programs were conducted with the help of the people of the village. After that the temple was handed over to the affected village elders.