Ayodhya verdict: PM appeals for calm

NEW DELHI: Amid apprehensions of breach of peace following the Allahabad High Court verdict on the Ayodhya case, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today appealed to people to maintain equanimity and tranquillity in the aftermath of the judgement. 

"There should be no attempt whatsoever made by any section of people to provoke any other section or to indulge in any expression of emotion that would hurt the feelings of other people," he said in an appeal published in almost all leading newspapers. 

Observing that the judgement, an outcome of a long judicial process, needed to be treated with the utmost respect, the Prime Minister said, "We must remember the fact that the judgement, at this stage, is one step in the judicial process". 

"The determination of the issues need not necessarily end with this judgement, unless it is accepted by all parties. In case any of the parties feels that further judicial consideration is required, there are legal remedies available, which could be resorted to", he said. 

Singh said the government appeals to the people to ensure that the delivery of the judgement is seen in its proper perspective as part of a judicial process and maintain peace and order after the delivery of the judgement. 

"It is important for all to ensure that the highest traditions of Indian culture and respect for all religions are fully maintained... Nothing must be said or done and nothing must happen that may cause us to deviate from our goals and our objectives," he said appealing to the people to maintain equanimity and tranquillity in the aftermath of the judgement. 

The Union Cabinet had adopted a resolution last week appealing to people to maintain peace and harmony following the verdict.