Hours before the Supreme Court pronounced its verdict in the Ayodhya Ram Janbhoomi-Babri Masjid case on Saturday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik appealed to the people of the State to maintain peace and harmony.
Taking to Twitter, Patnaik urged everyone to accept the judgement of the apex court. “Let us continue to live in peace and harmony. The spirit of brotherhood is the hallmark of our secular fabric,” Patnaik said.
The Home Department asked police to be in readiness to tackle any law and order situation that might arise after the court verdict.
DGP BK Sharma warned mischief mongers and said stringent action would be taken if anyone is found posting provocative and objectionable messages in social media.
Sharma said, “Adequate forces have been deployed in every sensitive district of the State. Superintendents of Police and other senior officials are closely monitoring the situation,” he said.
He said static forces and mobile patrolling units were deployed in different places. The situation is peaceful so far.
“In fact, we had started the preparations some days ago. We had discussed with the community leaders and other dignitaries on how to maintain peace and harmony in the State,” informed Sharma.
Notably, As many as 18 platoons of police force were deployed only in Cuttack city to prevent any untoward incident.