UP: Security tightened in Ayodhya, cops keep close vigil at check post

Ahead of the Supreme Court's verdict in Ram Mandir Babri Masjid title dispute case, the security in the Ayodhya district, Uttar Pradesh has been tightened. Earlier, District Magistrate Court imposed Section-144 in the district on Monday. The decision was also taken considering the upcoming festivals.

Speaking about the security measures Circle Office Aman Singh said, "Security has been tightened. Police officials are checking people at main points in the district. The environment is peaceful here. We have appealed to people for not paying heed to rumours and inform police about such rumour mongers."

Section 144 will be in effect till December 10, District Magistrate Anuj Kumar Jha had said in the order. "Decision to impose Section-144 also taken in consideration of upcoming festivals," Ayodhya District Magistrate, Anuj Kumar Jha had said.

READ | Ayodhya: Section144 Imposed As Supreme Court Hearing Enters Final Leg

Mediation panel on Ayodhya case

On September 16, a fresh plea was made by a Hindu and a Muslim party seeking resumption of the mediation process for amicable settlement of the land dispute in Ayodhya by the mediation panel. The top court Wednesday reserved its verdict in the title dispute after a marathon hearing of 40 days.

Fourteen appeals have been filed in the apex court against the 2010 Allahabad High Court judgment, delivered in four civil suits, that the 2.77-acre land in Ayodhya is partitioned equally among the three parties -- the Sunni Waqf Board, the Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla. On December 6, 1992, the Babri Masjid, constructed at the disputed site in the 16th century by Shia Muslim Mir Baqi, was demolished.

READ | Sunni Waqf Open To Giving Mandir Land; Ayodhya Mediation Details Here

Judgement on November 17

The judgment in the matter is to be pronounced by November 17, the day the Chief Justice of India will demit the office. The apex court had on August 6, commenced day-to-day proceedings in the case as the mediation proceedings initiated to find the amicable resolution had failed.

The Bench had taken note of the report of the three-member panel, comprising Justice FMI Kallifulla, spiritual guru and founder of the Art of Living Foundation Sri Sri Ravishankar and senior advocate and renowned mediator Sriram Panchu, that mediation proceedings, which went on for about four months, did not result in any final settlement and it had to decide the matter pending before it.

READ | Sunni Board Lawyer: Ayodhya Settlement For Development Of Country

READ | Ayodhya Case | Questions Not To Hindu Side, Only To Us: Muslim Parties

(with ANI inputs)