NSG to guard Ayodhya shrine on December 6

While beefing up security in all communally sensitive towns, the Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday sounded a 'red alert' across the state in the wake of the 17th anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition in Ayodhya.

For the first time since the demolition of the mosque on December 6, 1992, the local administration has deployed the National Security Guards (NSG) to maintain a round-the-clock vigil in and around the makeshift temple at the disputed site in the ancient temple town.

Additional contingents of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) have been spread all across the already heavily protected contentious site.

Strict regulations have been made for entry of devotees to the temple. As such, batches of not more than two persons at a time would be permitted into the makeshift temple with effect from December 6.

"The enhanced security arrangements would remain in place for a week", Faizabad senior superintendent of police R K S Rathore told this scribe over telephone from there.

While prohibitory orders under section 144 of Cr. P.C. were already clamped in and around the shrine, cops have been told to not only remain "extra vigilant" but also observe "utmost strictness" for the next few days.
 
"Laxity of any kind on the part of the uniformed personnel will not be tolerated," the SSP said.