Ahead of verdict,Maya appeals for calm

The CM also reviewed the district-wise law and order situation at a meeting with top government officials at her residence on Monday.

According to a release issued by the state government,the CM has directed the concerned officers to keep vigil and ensure law and order in the state. She has also directed them to take strict action against those who disturb peace.

The release said the government started its preparations to face an emergency situation,if any,about two months ago when it came to know about the likelihood of the HC verdict in the matter.

The release said the state government kept the Centre informed about the situation. The CM had also sent state DGP Karamvir Singh to hold discussion with the Union Home Secretary,the release said.

According to the release,in view of the sensitivity of the matter,the state government had put up its demand for Central Paramilitary Force personnel before the Centre more than once. In the first letter written to the Centre on August 6,the state government had demanded 458 companies of paramilitary forces.

On September 1,the government sought 143 companies for safety of the disputed site in Ayodhya and 29 companies for High Court premises in Allahabad and Lucknow. On September 6,the government wrote another letter to the Centre demanding 12 companies of Rapid Action Force.

Against the government demand for 642 companies of paramilitary forces,it has received only 52 companies which are inadequate,the release said.

The law and order review meeting was attended by Cabinet Secretary Shashank Shekhar Singh,Principal Secretary Kunwar Fateh Bahadur Singh,DGP Karamvir Singh and ADGP Brij Lal.

Joshi in Ayodhya today

State Congress president Rita Bahuguna Joshi is scheduled to meet religious leaders in Ayodhya and Faizabad on Tuesday and appeal to them to maintain peace. On instructions of the Congress high-command,Joshi and other UP leaders will meet religious leaders across the state for the same purpose. “The party line is very clear,” Joshi said. “We have to ensure peace in the region by meeting as many civil societies and religious leaders as we can and make a call for peace.”