Amid tight security, J&K remains peaceful; restrictions to continue

JAMMU: Amid tight security arrangements in view of Supreme Court’s verdict on Ayodhya title dispute, the situation remained peaceful in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday as no untoward incident was reported from anywhere across the union territory; however, the restrictions imposed under section 144 will remain enforced on Sunday also.
People in Jammu welcomed the Supreme Court judgment in the Ram Janmbhoomi-Babri Masjid land dispute case by distributing sweets as security forces enforced strict prohibitory orders to maintain law and order.
Restrictions under Section 144 of the CrPC came into force in the newly-created union territory around midnight. Residents said policemen on vehicles fitted with public address system made announcements before dawn informing people about the imposition of the prohibitory orders and closure of all educational institutions.
From Saturday morning the security forces in order to thwart any untoward incident and to strictly enforce restrictions turned the entire Jammu into castle.
To restrict the entry of the vehicles, security forces used concertina wire on roads.
Tight security remain enforce in sensitive areas of Jammu including Talab Khatikian,Gujjar Nagar, Bathindi and other muslim-majority areas.
Security was also put in place at the mosques across the Jammu division. The schools and colleges were also closed with thin presence of commuters.
Exams slated for Saturday were deferred and the fresh dates will be announced, even as Saturday was a dry day and bursting of crackers was also banned.
“Barring bursting of firecrackers at some places shortly after the apex court delivered the verdict, the overall situation in the city of temples remained by and large peaceful with no untoward incident reported from anywhere,” officials said.
“Today situation remained peaceful. Traffic plied and normal condition prevailed throughout Jammu Zone. Strict action will be taken against anyone disturbing peace,” said IGP Jammu Mukesh Singh.
However, the buses on Jammu-Kathua route remained off the road while mini-buses were also scarce in number, leading to inconvenience among commuters.
Meanwhile, the restrictions imposed under section 144 will continue on Sunday as well.
“This is a precautionary measure. Being a Sunday, there will not be much inconvenience to people. A further decision will be taken on Sunday evening,” DDC Jammu Sushma Chouhan said.

TAKEAWAYS

Undisputed
Faith of Hindus is undisputed that Lord Ram was born in Ayodhya

2.77 Acre
Hindus to get disputed complex, to be handed over to a trust

The Trust
To be formed by Centre in 3 months, will monitor construction

Five Acre
Muslims will get alternative land for mosque construction

Composite
Allahabad HC wrong in dividing the land between 3three main parties -- Ram Lalla Virajman, Nirmohi Akhara and the Sunni Waqf Board -- as the complex was a composite whole

ASI Report
2003 Archaeology Survey of India's (ASI) report can't be dismissed

Limitation
Nirmohi Akhara’s suit dismissed as it was barred by limitation

40 Days
The landmark verdict was read out by a five-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi and also comprising CJI-designate S.A. Bobde, D.Y. Chandrachud, Ashok Bhushan and S. Abdul Nazeer after 40 days of daily hearing, making it the second longest hearing in the top court.