Security has been stepped up throughout Kerala as a precautionary measure against the background of the verdict on the Ayodhya case slated for Thursday.
Restrictions on organising of marches, meetings and demonstrations are likely to be declared in other districts also later in the day. The ban orders have been declared in Kasaragod, Kannur, Malappuram, Alappuzha and Kollam districts from midnight on Wednesday. Ban orders came into force in Ernakulam district from this morning.
About 30,000 police men are proposed to be deployed by midnight to enforce the orders and maintain peace. Preventive arrests are also likely. Special security is being extended to important places of worship, railway stations and bus stands. Armed reserves have been positioned in district centres.
Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan has convened a meeting of higher officials of the Home Department and the Police this morning to review the situation and decide on further security arrangements. Additional Chief Secretary (Home), Director General of Police and additional directors general of police are to attend.