Ayodhya rejoices as Supreme Court delivers historic judgment
1 min read . Updated: 09 Nov 2019, 12:20 PM IST
Premium- The Supreme Court ordered setting up of a trust, eventually paving the way for the construction of a temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya
- The five-judge bench also ordered allotment of 5-acre land to Muslims for construction of a mosque
Uttar Pradesh witnessed scenes of jubilation after the Supreme Court delivered its crucial Ayodhya verdict on Saturday.
In the precincts of the temple town, priests and locals hailed the verdict, stating that the site was "always meant to house a temple."
As sentiment of faith and religion ran high, Ramji Pandey, a local priest, spoke to Mint about the prevailing superstition, which according to locals was the key to today's verdict.
"There is a common belief in Ayodhya that any structure that is built over Ram Janmabhoomi will be destroyed either by human or natural forces, unless it's a temple," Pandey said, adding, no one had "dared to construct anything since the demolition of the Babri Masjid."
Also read: Ayodhya Verdict Live Updates
As police pickets dotted the entire four-kilometre trek to Ram Janmabhoomi — the disputed site — a group of men huddled around the area, proudly claiming that their "effort" had borne fruit.
"We had gone along with the Kar Sewaks to the Babri Masjid site the day it was demolished... No other structures should ever have been built at such a holy spot," said Bansi Lal Gupta, who owns an apparel store near Ram Janmabhoomi.
Further down, halfway to the spot where the Babri Masjid once stood, are rows of sealed shops and padlocked homes.
"They (Muslim families) have left. There are barely 10-15 such families here. The rest left overnight because they feared backlash. The police have also been very strict to ensure that no violence happens," according to Kishori Pandey, who runs a religious goods store in Ayodhya.
Even as sporadic chants of 'Ram lalla ki vijay' rang out across Ayodhya's temple town, the police tightened vigil in the area.
Section 144 (prohibiting the assembly of four or more people) remains enforced, with state authorities prohibiting the entry of vehicles into the temple town. The state police is also keeping a constant vigil in by-lanes and alleys, joining in conversations to prevent any rumour mongering.
