Security beefed up ahead of verdict on Ayodhya title suits

The chief minister has issued strict directives to law enforcing agencies to adopt a zero tolerance approach towards anyone who tries to breach peace and communal harmony in the wake of the court verdict slated for September 24, official sources here said.

Heavy deployment of security personnel has been made at the disputed site to ensure safety of the sanctum sanctorum and prevent any breach of peace, the sources said.

The administration has divided Ayodhya and neighbouring Faizabad into 17 security zones and 45 sub-sectors posting 60 magistrates and making heavy deployment of security personnel in the area, they said.

Against the state government's demand for nearly 600 companies of central forces with 50 companies for the twin towns of Ayodhya and Faizabad alone, the state has so far received only 52 companies of CRPF and RAF till now, they said.

Meanwhile, religious leaders at Poonch in Jammu and Kashmir resolved to maintain peace in the border district after the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court delivers its verdict on Ayodhya title suits on September 24.

The decision was taken at an emergency meeting of 300 people of Poonch town and surrounding areas, including the Ulemas of all Mosques, advocates and intellectuals.