Several states including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal have tightened security ahead of the Babri Masjid demolition anniversary. Police have placed sensitive cities such as Ayodhya and Mathura on high alert. Officials said on Friday that security has also been strengthened in Varanasi, Lucknow, Meerut, Aligarh, Agra, Kanpur and Prayagraj.
In Ayodhya, where the Ram temple now stands after the Supreme Court verdict, heightened surveillance has been in place since December 4. Ayodhya SSP Gaurav Grover said all police stations have been told to remain alert. He said security will be tightened further until December 6 and added that the administration is trying to ensure people do not face inconvenience. Police teams are carrying out checks at hotels, dharamshalas, guest houses, dhabas and on vehicles entering the city.
Circle Officer Ashutosh Tiwari said foot patrols have increased across Ayodhya, especially on the roads leading to the Ram temple. He warned that strict action will be taken against anyone trying to create unrest.
In Mathura, where the Krishna Janmabhoomi Shahi Idgah dispute remains sensitive, Agra Range DIG Shailesh Kumar Pandey reviewed security arrangements and said alertness has been increased across the district. The dispute involves the Shahi Idgah mosque, which the Hindu side claims was built by Mughal ruler Aurangzeb after demolishing a temple at what they consider Lord Krishna’s birthplace. The matter is currently before the Supreme Court.
Police are using drone cameras to monitor the temple complex that includes the mosque and other sensitive areas. After a review meeting with senior officials including the district magistrate and superintendent of police, Pandey led a foot march through the markets in Govind Nagar and Kotwali to reassure residents.
SSP Shlok Kumar said Mathura has been divided into zones and sectors, each supervised by senior officers. Additional forces such as PAC, RAF and units from nearby districts have been deployed. He said the administration is fully alert and will not allow any individual or group to engage in activities that could disturb peace. Security has also been increased around religious places and mixed population areas. Intelligence teams are active in sensitive zones, and preventive action has been taken against people believed to be potential troublemakers.
Across Uttar Pradesh, police presence has been increased at railway stations, bus stands, district borders, markets and other crowded places. Surprise checking drives are being carried out in all police station areas. Officials also said vigilance has been increased following the recent car blast in Delhi linked to a terror module, as some of its suspected associates are believed to have links in Uttar Pradesh.
December 6 is observed as “Shaurya Diwas” by some Hindu organisations and marked as “Black Day” by several Muslim groups, making it a sensitive day for law enforcement.
