Ayodhya, September 18: The security forces today staged a flag march here and in other parts of Faizabad district in order to maintain law and order and instil confidence among the people in view of Ayodhya verdict on September 24.
The flag march came a day after the special bench of Allahabad High Court refused to defer the date of verdict and rejected an application in this regard.
The forces comprised central forces, state police, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and mounted police with all equipment and weaponary at their disposal.
Faizabad Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) R K S Rathore said the purpose was to warn the anti-social elements and maintain harmony in twin towns of Ayodhya and Faizabad.
The security in and around the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri complex had already been stepped up and the additional force was deployed at sensitive places of the district.
Mr Rathore said 10 companies of central forces, 11 companies of PAC, about 5000 homeguards and 40 companies of state armed police, including one thousand constables were deployed in this sensitive disrict.
He said barriers were erected on the borders of the district and close watch was being maintained on the suspected visitors and rumour-mongers.
–PTI