The verdict which the city of Ayodhya was waiting for the past two decades was celebrated without any loud revelry, procession or bursting of crackers. The historic judgment was greeted with chants of 'Jai Sri Ram' in temples and exchange of some sweets but overall it remained a low-key affair.
India Today TV found that the entire city, including the Muslim dominated areas, remained quiet and peaceful on the day the final verdict in highly-polarising Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute case was declared.
The high security in the city was one of the possible reasons but the repeated requests from spiritual leaders and local leaders ensured that no one indulged in any celebratory frenzy.
Settling a fractious issue that goes back more than a century, the Supreme Court in a historic verdict on Saturday backed the construction of a Ram temple by a government trust at the disputed site in Ayodhya and ruled that an alternative five-acre plot must be found for a mosque in the Hindu holy town.
It was a usual day for the people of Ayodhya and devotees visiting city temples. But heavy security was deployed in each corner of the city. All sensitive areas and temples were fortified. All roads leading to makeshift Ram Lalla temple at the disputed site were sealed but visitors were allowed to pray.
Ayodhya Divisional Commissioner Manoj Mishra, Inspector General Sanjiv Gupta, District Magistrate Anuj Jha and Senior Superintendent of Police Ashish Tiwary conducted an aerial survey by helicopter to take stock of the situation.
Speaking to reporters, the SSP said, "The patrolling by police personnel will continue, and we are keeping a close watch on social media. Our endeavour is that the common man should feel safe, secure and face the least inconvenience."
A majority of Muslims welcomed the Supreme Court's decision saying Ayodhya has always remained peaceful and people from both the communities will ensure the court's order is executed peacefully.
"We are happy that lingering Ayodhya dispute eventually reached its logical conclusion. Now, there will be no debate or politics over the disputed land," said Mohd Salman, a college student.
There were also some like Haji Mohammad Sajid, a tailoring shop owner in the vicinity of Ram Janmabhoomi police station, who did not appear satisfied with the verdict. "I feel that the decision is incomplete," he said, but refused to elaborate.
"All I want is that an atmosphere of peace should prevail, and nothing else," said 65-year-old Azeez, a resident of Niyava Bakra Mandi area.
As Section 144 was imposed, most of the locals preferred staying indoors but soon after the judgment was delivered, the city got its life back and all shops remained open for the rest of the day.
Senior priest Mahant Raju Das at the Hanuman Garhi temple said, "It is not a victory for Hindus or a loss for Muslims but it's a historic decision for the all 130 crore Indians."
Source: India Today