"Everything is normal here. Darshan at the Ram Lalla temple (makeshift temple at the disputed site) continues peacefully. Though by afternoon, the devotees were a little less, but we hope the crowd will increase by the evening as the situation seems peaceful," said Additional Director General of Police Ashutosh Pandey, who is in charge of security, and law and order arrangements in Ayodhya.
The ADG and his subordinate officials patrolled the sensitive areas, including the Muslim pockets, soon after the judgement was delivered.
"Situation is normal. Shops in all localities are open," Pandey said, adding: "We had requested all religious leaders to keep restraint while reacting on the judgement. The aim should be not to hurt anyone's feelings and maintain harmony."
On instructions of the state's Yogi Adityanath government, Pandey was assigned the security of Ayodhya ahead of the much-awaited judgement. Sources said that 60 companies of central paramilitary forces, including the Rapid Action Force, had been deployed in the temple town.
Besides the paramilitary, 1,200 constables, 250 Sub-Inspectors, and 125 Inspectors have also been deployed to ensure law and situation in the district, which remains in news since past couple of days.
Acting on a tip off from intelligence agencies, the police combed all hotels, dharamshalas, and rest houses in Ayodhya. Vigil was also increased at all entry and exit points of the district, and special arrangements made at the railway station and bus station.
Apart from upgrading security at public places, the police identified 98 places in the city as sensitive spots and set up police pickets over there. At the disputed site, central paramilitary forces were put on alert, said sources in the Ayodhya police.
( With inputs from IANS )