Ayodhya verdict: UP seeks extra Central security

The Mayawati government has asked the Centre for 63,000 additional paramilitary personnel to deal with any law and order problems that may arise after the court verdict on Ayodhya title suits is pronounced on September 24.

The BSP government has requested the home ministry to make available central forces before the verdict day to strengthen security and thwart any attempt to disturb peace.

The ministry has already prepared a contingency plan to deal with any situation arising out of the Allahabad High Court judgement.

In an advisory, the home ministry has asked all states and Union Territories to give maintaining law and order "top most priority" as the judgement has the potential to "evoke sharp reactions".

In its communication, the Ministry also informed states and UTs of the activities of various religious groups which have already announced a countrywide mass mobilisation and awareness campaign in view of the forthcoming court verdict.

Maintaining that the court verdict "is likely to evoke sharp reactions and communal passions among both Hindus and Muslims depending on the way the judgment goes", the Ministry has asked states and UTs to keep a close watch on activities of religious bodies of both the communities in the run-up to the judgment.

The home ministry has asked paramilitary forces, including CRPF and Rapid Action Force (RAF), to be ready with reinforcements as and when needed by states for deployment in sensitive areas prior to the verdict.