People heave a sigh of relief in Ayodhya

He added that the main sufferers are the people of twin towns Ayodhya-Faizabad. “There is a curfew-like situation in Ayodhya every time the matter comes up. Once the High Court delivers its verdict,things will become clear.”

In a similar refrain,local businessman Janmaijay Tripathi said their trades have been worst affected for the last one week —first due to the High Court decision due on September 24 and later due to its deferment. “The number of visitors have declined,affecting our businesses. Only people of the (police and central) force and media are active here for the past few weeks,” he said.

Another shopkeeper near Hanuman Garhi temple,Mohammad Marrof,echoed similar sentiments saying that the High Court should deliver its verdict so that the picture becomes clear. Blaming political parties for making the matter from “bad to worse”,he said the High Court verdict will bring all speculation and rumour mongering to a halt.