Ayodhya Verdict: Shivraj Singh Chouhan appeals for calm in MP

Ahead of the verdict in the Ayodhya land dispute, former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan urged the people of the state and country to maintain peace and harmony regardless of the decision. As a precautionary measure, the government has closed all schools, colleges, educational institutions in Madhya Pradesh. Speaking to media, Chouhan appealed to the people to accept the decision delivered by the Supreme Court wholeheartedly as this is not a 'Win-loss verdict'.

"I appeal to all the countrymen to accept whatever decision comes. It is not a win-loss verdict for anyone. Its the decision of the Supreme Court. We should accept it wholeheartedly. Let peace prevail in the state and the country."

Section 144 of CrPC, which prohibits the gathering of more than four people, has been clamped in entire Goa, Uttar Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir and Madhya Pradesh. Schools and colleges in Karnataka, Jammu, are also shut today. Even in Delhi all government schools and many private schools are closed, as it is a second Saturday and the government has advised all private schools to also remain closed today.

READ: SC to announce Ayodhya verdict; Here is the brief overview of the case

READ: Ayodhya case verdict: The questions Supreme Court may consider

Security Apparatus in Ayodhya ahead of the verdict 

Ahead of the verdict, security in Ayodhya has been beefed up. So far, 18,000 police officers, 3,000 state Rapid Action Force staff and 4,000 Central forces have been deployed to maintain law and order. All government and private colleges and schools have been shut in Uttar Pradesh till November 11, announced UP CM Yogi Adityanath on Friday night. Section 144 has been imposed in parts of Ayodhya. According to sources, State Chief Secretary and UP DGP themselves will be on ground zero to monitor the situation. The District Magistrate will be taking an hourly update directly from the Chief Minister's Office. Moreover, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will remain in a 'ready to move' position. Apart from this, 9 helicopters have been arranged for urgent movement basis while 3 separate choppers will be made available for aerial monitoring. Drones are being used in sensitive areas to monitor any suspicious activity.

READ: CJI Gogoi's security cover upgraded to Z+ ahead of Ayodhya verdict

READ: School holiday in MP on day of Ayodhya verdict