Security stepped up along Indo-Nepal border ahead of Ayodhya verdict

Gorakhpur, Sep 22 (ANI): Security has been tightened along the Indo-Nepal border in Gorakhpur to prevent the entry of anti-social elements ahead of the long-awaited verdict on the Ayodhya title case by the Allahabad High Court on September 24.

A high alert has also been sounded on 305-kilometre stretch and personnel of the Border Security Force (BSF) were checking thoroughly to prevent the entry of illegal weapons or suspected persons into Indian territory.

"Four battalions have been deployed on the border. They are in a high alert. Seventy-two border posts are on a high alert. Everywhere, whether it is main road or side road, checking is being conducted," said O. P. Sahu, a public relation officer.

Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati had asked law enforcement agencies to step up security in Ayodhya and adopt zero tolerance approach towards anyone trying to breach peace and communal harmony during and after the court verdict.

A heavy deployment of security personnel has been made at the disputed site to ensure the safety of the sanctum sanctorum.

The administration has divided Ayodhya and Faizabad into 17 security zones and 45 sub-sectors, posting 60 magistrates.

Last Friday, the Special Bench of the Allahabad High Court had rejected a plea for deferment of the verdict and imposed a heavy fine on applicant Ramesh Chandra Tripathi.

The court had earlier reserved its judgment on July 26 in connection with the 60-year-old title suit.

On July 27, the court took the initiative for an amicable solution to the dispute when it called on counsel for the contending parties to go into the possibility. But no headway was made.

The demolition of the 16th century mosque triggered widespread communal riots across the country in 1992-93. (ANI)