Tue, Sep 21
Days before the court pronounces its verdict in the Ayodhya land title suit, the Centre has asked all state governments — Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Karnataka in particular — to heighten their security preparedness to deal with any law and order problems that may erupt after the verdict.

Having identified 32 sensitive locations across the country, four of which are in Uttar Pradesh, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has also decided to provide around 5,200 security personnel, including the Rapid Action Force, to Uttar Pradesh. Having sought close to 63,000 personnel of the central paramilitary forces, the UP government has already made clear its displeasure with the allotment.

Sources said that the Centre had asked several paramilitary forces to keep crack units ready at some strategic locations near airports in a bid to ensure prompt deployment in case of any trouble. The Centre, sources said, was of the view that the judgment may evoke sharp reactions from several sections of people.

The MHA has also informed the state governments about the various mass mobilisation campaigns announced by some religious groups and has asked the state authorities to keep a watch on their activities.

In its communication, the Ministry also informed states and UTs of the activities of various religious groups which have already announced countrywide mass mobilisation and awareness campaigns in view of the forthcoming court verdict.