In Ayodhya, devotees rejoice at SC verdict, many say they are relieved and hope for peace

A sense of relief prevailed on Saturday evening among residents of Ayodhya, irrespective of their faith, with many saying that the Supreme Court verdict has finally ended the uncertainty that plagued the temple city due to the highly-polarising Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute.

Tight security arrangements had been made and most people preferred to stay indoors this morning. But as the judgement was declared and the day passed off peacefully, the hustle and bustle returned to the temple city with devotees flocking to various temples.

While the verdict was greeted with chants of 'Jai Sri Ram' in temples and sweets were distributed by some, there was absence of any loud celebrations following repeated appeals by authorities as well as political and spiritual leaders to exercise restraint and not indulge in any celebratory frenzy.

Anand Kumar, a resident of the temple town and a social worker, said local people were hoping for long that the dispute will be resolved.

Pointing towards the flurry of shopping activities in the vicinity of the Naya Ghat, he said, "Most of the devotees are feeling happy as the lingering Ayodhya dispute eventually reached its logical conclusion."
Pointing to shops in the vicinity doing business, he said, "Life is absolutely normal, you can see for yourself."
Shoaib Shameem Siddiqui, who runs a business, said, "I welcome the judgement delivered by the Supreme Court in the Ayodhya dispute case."
Sachin Chaurasia, who owns a paint shop, said, "After the judgment, there is a feeling of relief among residents. We too have resumed our daily business. All is well."
Senior priest of Hanumangarhi temple Mahant Raju Das said that "there will be normal havan and aarti programme in the temple. There will be no special puja on this occasion."