Maha steps up security ahead of verdict

The Maharashtra government has stepped up security in the run-up to the Allahabad High Court verdict in the Ayodhya land title suit on September 24.

The state government has deployed 160,000 state police force, eight companies of the Central Reserve Police Force and personnel from the Central Industrial Security Force and Rapid Action Force to maintain peace.

Maharashtra had witnessed riots following the Babri Masjid demolition on December 6, 1992.

In a rare gesture, the Mumbai police brass held a marathon meeting with Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray at the latter’s residence in Mumbai to seek his party’s cooperation to maintain law and order.

The police have also increased intelligence and counter-intelligence across the state to handle law and order ahead of the Ayodhya judgment.

Chief Minister Ashok Chavan met religious groups, political parties and representatives of the media with an appeal to cooperate with the government in maintaining law and order. “The government has sought cooperation from all to maintain peace. The government will do everything to avoid any untoward incident,” Chavan told Business Standard. He said high alert has been sounded across the state.

“The Centre has already deployed eight companies of Central Reserve Police Force. This apart, over 150,000 state police force along with para -military forces have already been deployed across the state. The government has cancelled holidays of the police,” said state home minister R R Patil.

Patil said the government has asked district guardian ministers to be stationed in their respective districts on September 24 and supervise the situation. They have been asked to hold meetings with political parties, religious leaders, district and police administration for proper coordination.