Andhra DGP urges calm and restraint

Hyderabad, September 30: Director general of police K Aravinda Rao today appealed to all sections of the society, particularly the youth against indulging in violence after the Allahabad High Court’s Lucknow bench Court gives the verdict on the title suit relating to Ayodhya dispute tomorrow. “It is unfortunate that an event (Ayodhya/Babri issue) which took place in Uttar Pradesh, not even known to the people in Andhra Pradesh till about 25 years ago, is now being eagerly watched by several persons, causing fear and apprehension in their minds,’’ the DGP said.

Addressing a press conference on the eve of Ayodhya verdict here today, Aravinda Rao appealed to the youth, in particular, who could be encouraged by communal forces to indulge in violence to observe restraint.

“The state has a long tradition of communal harmony which, unfortunately, has been disturbed by outside events. Incidents in other states have no reason to disturb the peace and tranquility in Hyderabad or any other district in the state,’’ he said.

“There may be some mad fellows or those loose canons which we have to control. There is a good climate of mutual understanding. Incidents may happen elsewhere but this should not disturb peace. Watch out for new comers to your localities and inform us,’’ he said. He said that no victory procession would be allowed.

With regard to districts, Aravinda Rao said that it was quite surprising to note that there are sensitive places in various districts. “We have to be careful with 40 to 50 such sensitive places in the districts.’’ To reach out to all sections of the society, Aravinda Rao appealed to the public in chaste Urdu as well, besides English and Telugu.

Hyderabad police commissioner AK Khan said that efforts are on to trace those persons who were circulating provocating SMSes.

–Agencies