Security alert ahead of Ayodhya verdict issued to states, Union Territories

Lucknow : All the states and Union Territories have been put on alert ahead of Supreme Court's verdict in the Ram Temple-Babri Mosque title suit case. Centre issued an advisory to the concerned authorities requesting adequate security at sensitive places, the Ministry of Home Affairs has asked them to ensure "no untoward incident takes place anywhere" following the verdict.

"A general advisory has been sent to all states and union territories asking them to deploy adequate security personnel in all sensitive places and ensure that no untoward incident takes place anywhere in the country," a senior Home Ministry official told NDTV.

The dispute revolves around 2.77 acres of land in Ayodhya that is believed to be the birth place of lord Rama; however Mughal emperors constructed a mosque over it. The structure was razed in December 1992 by right-wing activists. In the days that followed, 2,000 people died in riots across the country.

After long trials till August, the Supreme Court constituted a bench for daily hearing in the matter. The apex court is likely to deliver its verdict on the case on November 17, when senior judge Ranjan Gogoi will retire.

The Uttar Pradesh police have banned assembly of more than four people in Ayodhya till the end of December in view of the upcoming verdict. They are also monitoring social media. State Police Chief OP Singh has said people instigating violence will be charged under the stringent National Security Act (NSA).

The centre has sent 4,000 paramilitary soldiers to Uttar Pradesh as a precautionary measure, and more forces will be pushed in the coming days, sources say.