Bhopal, Nov 9 (IANS): Security has been tightened across Madhya Pradesh, and schools, colleges and universities will remain shut on Saturday in view of the Supreme Court verdict in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title dispute case.

Section 144 of the CrPC (Criminal Procedure Code) has been imposed in several districts, including Bhopal, preventing assembly of people in public places.

Chief Minister Kamal Nath has appealed to the people to maintain peace and harmony. "In view of the SC verdict in the Ayodhya case, I appeal to all in the state to maintain peace and harmony. I appeal to all the groups to respectfully accept whatever is the judgement," tweeted Kamal Nath

"In accordance with the Ganga-Jamuni culture of Madhya Pradesh, maintain peace and brotherhood... and stay alert against any rumours," he added.

In view of the sensitivity of the decades-old dispute and the likely fallout of the verdict by a five-judge constitutional bench, security has been deployed in sensitive areas and densely-populated localities. Even bursting of firecrackers has been banned on Saturday.

The state administration and the police was keeping a watch on the social media. The police has also released a phone number to report any rumour mongering attempts.