New Delhi, September 30
Within hours of the Ayodhya verdict, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh appealed to countrymen to maintain peace and tranquility and show respect for all religions and beliefs in the highest tradition of Indian culture.

At the same time, he said the government was committed to upholding the rule of the law and maintaining peace and order. “It is my hope that the response of the people of India to the judgement will be respectful, dignified and do our country proud,’’ Singh said in a statement issued after the PM reviewed the verdict at a meeting with senior Cabinet ministers. Law Minister M Verappa Moily explained to his colleagues the salient features of the court ruling. The Congress core group, headed by party president Sonia Gandhi, met later.

Emphasising that he had faith in the people of India and confidence in the traditions of secularism, brotherhood and tolerance, Singh pointed out that often only a few mischief-makers created divisions in society.

He appealed to the people to be vigilant and not let such people succeed in disrupting peace. The people should be particularly careful with regard to rumours that disruptive elements could propagate to create ill-will between communities. Singh said the judgement of the court was the culmination of a long judicial process involving a sensitive matter on which different sections of people have held different views.

“The orders delivered by the three honourable judges need to be examined carefully. The High Court itself has directed that the status quo as prevailing till date shall be maintained for a period of three months. Besides, the High Court has granted leave to appeal to the Supreme Court,’’ he noted.

Singh said it had also been pointed out by jurists that complex issues were involved in the suits.