PM appeals for peace, warns against rumours

New Delhi: Appealing to maintain peace and harmony in the wake of Ayodhya verdict, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday cautioned people against "disruptive elements" spreading rumours to create ill will between communities.

"You should be particularly careful with regard to rumours that disruptive elements could propagate to create ill-will between communities," Singh said after a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) followed by a Congress Core Group meet headed by party chief Sonia Gandhi.

The Prime Minister made it clear that the government remained fully committed to upholding the rule of law and maintaining peace, order and harmony.

Observing that only a few mischief-makers often create divisions in society, Singh appealed to the countrymen to be vigilant and not let such people succeed in disrupting peace and harmony.

Noting that the judgment is the culmination of a long judicial process involving a sensitive matter on which different sections of people have held different views, he said, "the correct conclusion, at this stage, is that the status quo will be maintained until the cases are taken up by the Supreme Court."

He said the orders delivered by the three judges need to be "examined carefully" and noted that the High Court itself has directed that the "status quo as prevailing till date shall be maintained for a period of three months."

Besides, he said, the High Court has granted leave to appeal to the

Supreme Court.

"I have full faith in the people of India. I also have full confidence in the traditions of secularism, brotherhood and tolerance of our great country," the Prime Minister said.

"Show respect for all religions and religious beliefs in the highest traditions of Indian culture," he said.

He noted that by three separate orders, the judges have given their findings on issues and in the operative part, moulded the relief to the parties in a particular manner.

"It is my hope that the response of the people of India to the judgment will be respectful, dignified and do our country proud," Singh added.