Status quo in Ayodhya to be maintained: Chidambaram

New Delhi, Oct 1 (ANI): A day after pronouncement of verdict in the Ramjanambhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit by the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court, Union Home Minister P Chidambaram on Friday said that the status quo at the disputed site will be maintained till the Supreme Court takes up the case.

Presenting the monthly report card of the Home Ministry, Chidambaram said: "We will have to wait for the Supreme Court to take up the case. The status quo will be maintained."

"There is no role for the Centre now. The judges have given a stay and ordered a status quo (on the situation as obtaining) before the verdict. The judgement is not operational as of now," he said.

"The judgement is indeed an important document. But it is not operational. It is a fair assumption that appeals may be lodged (in Supreme Court). It is a fair assumption that the Supreme Court will pass interim orders. Therefore, there is no need now to comment on the judgement which is not operational and status quo as decreed in a Supreme Court order in 1994 will be maintained," he added.

Saying that the response to Ayodhya verdict has been dignified, Chidambaram said the Government is not apprehensive about politics over Ayodhya verdict.

On the law and order situation, Chidambaram said: "The country has been extremely peaceful and there have been no incidents reported from anywhere.

"We are pleased and satisfied with the response of people which has been respectful and dignified," he added.

To a question whether the judgement dilutes the case relating to the demolition of Babri Masjid, Chidambaram said this judgement has nothing to do with the act that took place on December 6, 1992.

"The demolition of Babri Masjid remains a criminal act and therefore Thursday's judgement in no way interferes with that case," he added

To a question on Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati's allegation that Centre did not provide adequate police forces, Chidambaram said, "I thought the UP government is maintaining law and order with the help of central forces."

"If the UP Government's view is vice versa, then so be it, as long as there is law and order in the state," said Chidambaram.

He said, apart from 52 companies of central para military forces, and rapid action force personnel already deployed in Uttar Pradesh and forces in other states, a separate pool of paramilitary companies has been kept for any emergency.

" The Indian Air Force is also on stand by to rush the para military or army personnel to troubled spots, if required," he added.

As per the Lucknow Bench's verdict, the ownership of the disputed land has been divided as follows: (1) Ram Lala, the birthplace of Lord Ram, given to Ram Lalla Virajman (2) Sita Rasoi and Ram Chabootra to Nirmohi Akhara and (3) The remaining part to be given to the Sunni Waqf Board. (ANI)