Security has been further intensified in sensitive places in Uttar Pradesh, including Ayodhya and Faizabad, in view of the verdict on the Babri Masjid title suit on September 24.
Forty companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been allotted to the Uttar Pradesh government and their deployment is almost complete. These are in addition to the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and the Rapid Action Force, civil police, village “chowkidars,” and government functionaries in the rural areas who have been pressed into service.
The maximum deployment of the Central forces and the PAC is in Faizabad, Lucknow, Meerut, Moradabad, Aligarh, Varanasi and Kanpur. The State had reportedly asked the Centre for 630 companies of Central forces, which means 6,300 personnel. But till now, only 40 companies of CRPF have been given.
According to a senior official of the U.P. police, the emphasis this time is on community policing and soliciting the cooperation of the public.
He said a comprehensive directory had been prepared containing the names and telephone numbers of the elderly and respected persons in the urban and rural areas. They would be in touch with the local police stations and conduct regular peace committee meetings in their areas.
“Although security measures are imperative, we don't want to create panic among the people,” he said. The assistance of other government departments has also been sought by the police.
Reports suggested that some schools would be converted into makeshift jails in case of law and order problems.
