Ujjain/Bhopal:
Ahead of the Babri verdict on September 24, efforts are on to hold on to peace in communally sensitive Ujjain and in Ayodhya. Extra security measures have been put in place; the Rapid Action Force (RAF) is holding flag marches in both these places.
Madhya Pradesh witnessed one of the worst communal violence post-Babri masjid demolition, that left more than hundred dead. And the BJP government at that time was dismissed for failing to maintain law and order. But now, the current BJP government is leaving nothing to chance and is cautious that history does not repeat itself.
"The state is on a high alert. Indore, Bhopal, Jabalpur, Hoshangabad and Ujjain divisions are highly sensitive as we expect reactions after the verdict. That is why we are all prepared and have asked for extra force from the Centre," said S K Raut, DGP, Madhya Pradesh.
Meanwhile, a right wing organisation has put up posters across the state urging young men to come together.
The Centre is sending 4,000 extra troops to Ayodhya, though the Uttar Pradesh government had asked for 60,000; over 1 and a half lakh UP policemen are already on alert. The Centre has advised all states that maintaining law and order before and after the verdict is delivered should be top priority.