Centre asks states to remain alert ahead of SC verdict on Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid issue

NEW DELHI: The Union home ministry has asked all states to remain alert ahead of the Supreme Court verdict on the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute and ensure security in all sensitive areas, officials said on Thursday. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has dispatched around 4,000 paramilitary personnel for deployment in Uttar Pradesh, particularly in Ayodhya.

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 incidents take place anywhere, a home ministry official said.

On Thursday, railways issued a seven-page advisory to all its zones giving them instruction on security preparedness ahead of the judgement, which is expected before November 17. The advisory states that leaves of all its personnel have been cancelled. The advisory covers aspects like security at platforms, railway stations, yard, parking space, bridges and tunnels as well as production units and workshops.


It said a close watch needs to be kept on all religious structures near railway stations or within its premises as they may become “flash points” in case tempers run high. It has also instructed caretakers of such structures not to leave them unguarded.

It has identified around 78 major stations with high footfall, including stations in Mumbai, Delhi, Maharashtra and UP, where the presence of RPF personnel have been increased. The advisory has instructed all zones to keep lighting at stations at 100% at all times.

The home ministry has rushed 40 companies of paramilitary forces to UP. A company of paramilitary forces comprises about 100 personnel.

Paramilitary and Rapid Action Force personnel will be deployed on security duty as DGPs have been asked to hold meetings with senior officers of the department and other government functionaries to sensitise them on the ground situation. As part of the goodwill-building measures, it is also advised that meetings be held with the various minority and majority community groups.