Ayodhya Verdict: Tight Security Across Country, UP-Nepal Border Sealed; Strict Social Media Vigilance

Ayodhya Verdict: Several states and Union territories, including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, and Madhya Pradesh have ordered a closure of all schools and colleges ahead of the verdict.

Ayodhya: Police personnel guard the premises near the disputed Ram Janambhoomi-Babri Masjid site, as the verdict date nears, in Ayodhya, Friday, Nov. 8, 2019. (PTI Photo/ Nand Kumar)

New Delhi: As the nation readies for the Supreme Court’s verdict on the decade-old and communally sensitive Ayodhya dispute, elaborate security arrangements have been put in place across the country. As all eyes remain on India ahead of the crucial verdict, political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and religious leaders , have urged people to maintain peace and respect the verdict. Multi-layered security in Ayodhya: A multi-layered security has been put in place in the temple town of Ayodhya, turning it into a fortress with deployment of 60 companies (90-125 personnel each) of PAC and paramilitary forces. Vehicle checking has been intensified near the Ramjanmabhoomi police station, "karyashala" of Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas and other parts of the town. Closure of educational institutions: Several states and Union territories, including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh have ordered a closure of all schools and colleges ahead of the verdict. Restrictions imposed in several states: Restrictions on gathering of people under Section 144 of the CrPC has been imposed by several states and UTs including Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra. Rajasthan Government also imposed Section 144 of CrPC in Bundi. Temporary jails in all UP districts, tight security in Ayodhya The Uttar Pradesh government has created temporary jails in every district while internet services may be banned in some places to check spread of rumours through social media. The Union Home Ministry is in regular correspondence with the state government and has provided 4,000 central paramilitary personnel for deployment in Uttar Pradesh, a senior official said. Special vigil is being maintained on more than 670 people on social media and if need arises internet can be stopped to check spread of rumours, the official said. Security has been tightened in Ayodhya and its adjoining areas while temporary prisons have been created in every district of the state. The state government has identified 31 districts as sensitive while Section 144 under CrPC, prohibiting gathering of five or more persons, has already been imposed across Uttar Pradesh. UP-Nepal border sealed The Uttar Pradesh-Nepal border has been sealed following a meeting of top officials with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath around Friday midnight. Additional Chief Secretary for Home, Avanish Awasthi, said that no one without proper identity would be allowed to move along the sensitive border. Awasthi said that railway forces have been directed to take safety and security of railway passengers inside trains and railway stations. Special security arrangements have been made for pilgrims in Ayodhya and more buses have been put into service to take the pilgrims present in the city back to their home. Adityanath also called over a dozen commissioners to take direct feedback of the ground situation and also issue necessary directives. Monitoring of social media posts : Authorities said social media posts will be monitored to ensure that no attempt is made to vitiate the atmosphere by spreading fake or inflammatory content. Arrangements have also been made to ensure the safety and security of religious places across the country.