An Intelligence input on Pakistan-based terror groups entering Uttar Pradesh through the porous Indo-Nepal border ahead of the Supreme Court verdict in Ayodhya land dispute case, sent security agencies into a tizzy.
Well-placed sources claimed in Lucknow on Tuesday that terror outfits were planning to carry out a major attack in UP and a group of seven terrorists had sneaked in UP via Nepal to execute their nefarious designs.
There are some Pakistani ultras in the group and Intelligence agencies have succeeded in identifying five of the seven terrorists who have entered UP. They are Mohammad Yakub, Abu Hamza, Mohammad Shahbaz, Nisar Ahmed and Mohammad Qaumi Chaudhary.
The sources said that these terrorists could be hiding in Ayodhya, Gorakhpur or in some place closer to the Indo-Nepal border.
However, sources in UP Police said that the state was already on high alert in view of the apex court verdict on Ayodhya issue expected before November 17 and they were yet to get any input on the entry of ultras.
Last Saturday, Director General of Police OP Singh had said that the UP Police was on high alert and if needed National Security Act (NSA) would be slapped on miscreants engaging in anti-national and mischievous activities.
“We are absolutely ready. No body will be allowed to take law in his hand under any circumstance. Our Intelligence machinery is geared up. If needed, National Security Act will be invoked against elements attempting to disrupt law and order,” the DGP had said.
Meanwhile, the Faizabad police have deployed 16,000 volunteers to keep a tab on objectionable content on social media.
“A similar number of volunteers have been deployed across 1,600 localities in the district to maintain calm when the Supreme Court verdict is delivered. Several WhatsApp groups have also been created for volunteers to pass on information,” Senior Superintendent of Police of Faizabad, Ashish Tiwari, said.
On Saturday, District Magistrate of Faizabad, Anuj Kumar Jha, had issued orders against the use of social media to ‘insult’ deities or to install idols and hold processions linked to Ram Janmabhoomi. He also extended prohibitory orders under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code till December 28.
“In Ayodhya, a four-layered security has been put in place to counter any exigency. In case a plan fails, it will be replaced by another,” the SSP said.
The security zones are red, yellow, green and blue. While red and yellow will be manned by Central Para-Military Forces (CPMF), green and blue will be manned by UP Police. The red security zone covers the disputed site, the yellow zone covers a five-mile radius around Ayodhya, the green covers a 14-mile periphery of the temple town and the blue zone covers the adjoining districts of Ayodhya.
Seven hundred government schools, 50 UP Board-aided schools and 25 CBSE schools have been taken over to accommodate security forces. Over 4,000 jawans of Central Para-Military Forces have arrived in the temple town to assist the district police.