Anxiety grips Ayodhya ahead of SC verdict

A sudden anxiety gripped the temple town on Friday night as the news that the Supreme Court will deliver its verdict in the communally sensitive Ayodhya land dispute case on Saturday began to trickle in.

Policemen near Hanumangarhi temple and Shriraam Chikitsalaya, a government hospital, intensified checking of vehicles. PAC jawans too stepped up vigil around the temple area.

Residents were seen engrossed in animated discussion on the possible verdict Saturday morning. Some people said that the situation was almost similar to the Diwali rush but filled with anxiety.

By late evening, most of the shops in the vicinity of Hanumangarhi temple had already been closed. Ram Kumar, who was about to close his grocery shop, decided instead to keep it open for some more time, so that his customers could make last-minute purchase.

Kishan Kumar who runs a prasad shop said that he is likely to keep his shop open.

Some people who had planned trips over the weekend were rescheduling their journey.

Rita Banerjee, who had plans of visiting Lucknow, said she was now not sure about the trip.

People prayed at the Hanumangarhi temple, hoping for peace and calm.

Meanwhile, the wireless sets of the cops were making repeated announcements that all leaves of police personnel have been cancelled. PTI NAV SMI
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