Security geared up ahead of Ayodhya verdict, PM appeals for peace

New Delhi : Ahead of India’s oldest and longest title suit verdict on Ayodhya shrine dispute, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh appealed to the people to maintain peace as authorities identified 32 locations across the country as highly sensitive and kept riot police in readiness.

Singh in an appeal said, ” whatever be the nature of judgement, I think everyone should make every effort to maintain peace, harmony and tranquility in the country.”

The Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court is expected to deliver its judgment on India’s 60-year-old title suit of Ramjanambhoomi and Babri Masjid, at 3.30 pm on Thrusday, after the Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed an application of deferment of verdict.

The Union Cabinet had adopted a resolution which said the judicial recourse would not end till all sections are satisfied and further legal remedies would be available.

“There should be no attempt whatsoever made by any section of the people to provoke any other section or to indulge in any expression of emotion that would hurt the feelings of other people,” the resolution had said.

“It goes without saying that the judgement needs to be treated with the utmost respect. At the same time, we must remember the fact that the judgement, at this state, is one step in the judicial process. The determination of the issues need not necessarily end with this judgement unless it is accepted by all parties,” it said.

The resolution said, “in case any of the parties feels that further judicial consideration is required, there are legal remedies available which could be resorted to.”

The Centre has kept in readiness para military forces in 16 places for quick deployment, including by IL-76 and AN-32 transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force.

These locations, close to airports and from where security forces will be airborne in ten minutes in case of exigencies, include Ahmedabad, Coimbatore, Bagdogra and Delhi.

Cities like Hyderabad and Delhi have also been identifed as restricted sites.

The identified areas include four places in Uttar Pradesh, where there is a potential for ‘evoking of sharp reactions’ folowing the verdict.

The Home Ministry has issued an advisory to states and Union Territories to keep the forces on high alert as the judgement could trigger “sharp reactions.”

Home Minister P Chidambaram also appealed for peace and advised against any hasty conclusion that one side has won or the other has lost in the Allahabad High Court verdict.

He held a meeting with top officials of his Ministry on Tuesday to take stock of the situation and work out plans for meeting any eventuality. He also visited his Ministry’s Control Room and Integrated Operations Centre review their functioning.