Security beefed up in Ayodhya ahead of mosque demolition verdict

AYODHYA - With less than a week to go for the verdict on the Babri mosque demolition case, security has been beefed up in Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya city.

Paramilitary forces have been deployed at various sensitive areas after a special meeting was called in Lucknow on Tuesday.

“We are enhancing the security arrangements. We have the force ready with us. The CRPF (Central Reserve Security Force), PAC (Provincial Armed Constabulary), Civil Police, are being deployed,” said R. K. S. Rathor, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Ayodhya.

“The force is ample in number. And with the help of the people, we have conducted meetings, the people have cooperated, there is a good security arrangement and harmony,” he added.

Madan Mohan Das, a chief priest of the Nirmohi Akhara, a Hindu religious school that is also one of the key parties in the Babri Mosque-Ram Janmabhoomi title suit, said they are hoping for a favourable verdict, and they get to construct the temple.

“Sri Ramanandi Nirmohi Akhara that has been fighting this case since ages, it is fighting with dignity, humility and patience. Since the beginning, Nirmohi Akhara’s stand has been that it (the disputed land) should remain with them. We hope the Nirmohi Akhara builds the temple with the support of our Hindu brothers and other people of faith,” said Das.

On Thursday, the Nirmohi Akhara, filed a fresh application seeking 10 days time to reach an out-of-court compromise on the Babri mosque case.

“We have been fighting this case since a very long time. We have always respected the judgments that have been given till now. Nirmohi Akhara is still talking about (out-of-court) settlement; it does not want any violence or any communal tension. We all are God’s creations and everyone prays in their own ways. Everybody is entitled to pray according to their principles,” said Das. By Amit (ANI)