Security forces stage flag march ahead of Ayodhya verdict

With the court verdict on Ayodhya title suits less than a week away, security forces today staged a flag march in Lucknow and patrolled the streets in Allahabad to instill confidence among people.

"The exercise was carried out to instill a sense of security and confidence among people and tell them that the administration will not allow any breach of law and order," a Home department official said.

Central Reserve Police Force, Provincial Armed Constabulary and Uttar Pradesh police personnel, in full anti-riot gear and toting machine guns, marched through the state capital.

Anti-riot vehicles also participated in the exercise, which began this morning and continued till late in the evening.

Security forces have been put on high alert across the state to thwart any untoward incident on September 24, when the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court is likely to deliver the judgement in the 60 year-old Ayodhya title suits.

In what resembled a full-fledged "flag march", armed police personnel patrolled all the sensitive areas in Allahabad, including the communally volatile old city area this afternoon.

Besides, a number of restrictions will remain in place in and around the high court premises for the entire week following a decision taken in this regard by a three-judge committee of the court.

As part of the prohibitory arrangements, entry into the high court premises in Lucknow will be allowed only on furnishing a valid identity proof. Advocates too will require to show their identity cards to the security personnel before entering the court premises.

No one would be allowed to park their vehicles on the roads adjoining the high court premises for the entire week and the area has been declared out of bounds for vendors selling tea and snacks.