A senior police officer was quoted as saying, "Pakistani terror groups are targeting Uttar Pradesh and this input has put us on high alert. The 14 Kosi Parikrama has begun in Ayodhya on Tuesday morning and will conclude on Wednesday morning. The event attracts lakhs of devotees from all over the country."
Five of the seven terrorists have reportedly been identified as Mohammed Yakub, Abu Hamza, Mohammed Shahbaz, Nisar Ahmed and Mohammed Qaumi Chaudhary.
Sources, however, said that the group is likely to enter Ayodhya as Hindu men, which will make it easy for them to mingle with the devotees.
Meanwhile, ahead of the Supreme Court verdict on the Ayodhya dispute, the Uttar Pradesh government has issued strict guidelines disallowing people from posting offensive posts on social media on deities. The order restricts even the electronic media from conducting debates in Ayodhya during this period. The order said that all calls made during this period will be recorded and scanned.
The four-page directive issued on October 31, which will be in force till December 28, prohibits people from posting defamatory remarks on social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, etc.
The order issued by Ayodhya district magistrate also restricts installation of any idol of any deity as well as victory procession on the day of the judgment.
(With inputs from agencies)