As the verdict in the Ayodhya title suit case on September 24 draws near, the Uttar Pradesh Government has directed the district authorities and police administration to strictly enforce prohibitory orders under Section 144 in all districts. Processions and public meetings have been banned with immediate effect, and the Mayawati Government has made it clear that public display of emotions through gatherings, meetings and processions would not be tolerated.
The ban orders would be enforced before September 24 and will be effective after the judgment has been pronounced.
Strict enforcement
Fresh directives have been issued by the Director General of police, UP, Karamveer Singh, at the behest of the State Government. A senior police official on Sunday confirmed that security measures would be strictly enforced with adequate number of security personnel deployed in all the sensitive towns and cities of the State, including Ayodhya, Faizabad and Lucknow.
Informed sources said that ‘flag march' by security forces, including the Central Para Military Force (CPMF) and Rapid Action Force, were being conducted in the sensitive places,to instil confidence among people. A flag march was staged in Ayodhya and Faizabad by the security forces on Saturday.
Not taking chances
Since the State Government is determined not to take chances with the law and order situation, it is likely that it would reiterate its demand for additional companies of central forces. This was the outcome of a high-level meeting held in Lucknow, which was attended by the Principal Secretary (Home), Kunwar Fateh Bahadur, DGP Karamveer Singh and the ADG (Law and Order), Brij Lal. Fresh requisition for at least 150 companies of CPMF is likely to be sent to the Centre on Monday, sources said.
Till now 40 companies of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and 12 companies of Rapid Action Force have been sent to the State. In fact, the State Government has demanded 630 companies of CPMF.
