Police on high alert ahead of Ayodhya verdict

Meanwhile,Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leaders in the state have reportedly gone underground,fearing arrest,and the police are also on the prowl to identify mischief mongers in every district of the state to keep them under detention till the verdict is passed on September 30. Even certain other groups that could pose a threat to Hindu-Muslim peace are being watched carefully.

“The VHP brass would want to use the situation as per their whims and we are to take extra caution so that the peaceful atmosphere is not spoiled”,claimed a senior police officer. “Though we have not made any arrests so far,we are definitely keeping an eye on their leaders,” he added.

Patiala SSP Gurpreet Singh Gill confirmed that they have got certain guidelines pertaining to security ahead of the verdict and an all party religious meeting with various religious heads was held to avoid any such incident. “However we are going to hold flag a march from today itself and deploy policemen at all critical spots in the city,” Gill stated.

Earlier,when the verdict was expected on September 24,VHP leaders in Punjab had started circulating Hanuman Chalisa and saffron clothing along with other Hindu mythological symbols. Intelligence sources confirmed that lakhs of copies of such literature was distributed near many temples across Punjab and the same is expected to happen on Wednesday.

Patiala SSP Gurpreet Singh Gill confirmed that they have got certain guidelines pertaining to security ahead of the verdict and an all party religious meeting with various religious heads was held to avoid any such incident. “However,we are going to hold flag a march from today itself and deploy policemen at all critical spots in the city,” Gill stated.

The government has further issued fresh instructions to Indian Reserve Battalions (IRB) to be on alert and be ready to be moved to any part of the state. Interestingly,the state police is also preparing for the President’s visit to Amritsar,expected in the first week of October. “We have kept our force ready and they are ready to meet any situation”,said IG (IRB) RP Meena.