India: Ayodhya prepares for Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid verdict, Section 144 imposed

Babri mosque demolition

Ayodhya; 5 Nov 2019 (UMM): District magistrate (DM) Ayodhya has imposed Section 144, and issued directives prohibiting people from making defamatory remarks against any religion, community, deities, eminent personalities on social media platforms. People have also been barred from holding any event regarding the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute.

The prohibitory orders will continue till December 10, officials said.

In an order issued by the DM Anuj Jha dated October 31 read, "No individual, group or organisation will be allowed to disrupt communal harmony. No person except public servants deployed for security will be allowed to carry weapons, explosive materials in public places. People will also not be allowed to carry licensed weapons in any programme. The administration will not allow people to assemble in any area of the temple town with an intent to create any mischief."

"No individual or group will be allowed to hold any programme in public places or private properties which could hurt the sentiments of people. No hoardings, posters and banners will be allowed anywhere in the district without permission from the administration," the order said.

"The administration will also not be allowing any individual, group or political parties to organise programmes, processions, public rallies without permission. Burning effigies and making inflammatory speeches will also not be allowed," the order said.

According to India Today, the administration even said that no attempts should be made to post controversial and derogatory remarks against any religion, community, deities, eminent personalities on social media platforms. Such posts shall also not be shared by people which could create tension in the society. No programme, procession and rally regarding the Ram Janmabhoomi- Babri Masjid dispute will be allowed in the temple town. There shall not be any controversial post regarding the title suit case on social media, the administration said.

Moreover, the administration has barred media debates in the temple town without its permission. People have also been barred to throw animal flesh in public places. Even, the gathering of more than five people at any place will also not be allowed without permission, reported India Today.

Section 144 has also been imposed on some other cities such as Bhopal ahead of the verdict.