In the wake of the Liberhan Commission's findings, the 17th anniversary of the demolition was observed today amid tight security.
With fresh focus on the Babri Masjid issue in the wake of the Liberhan Commission's findings, the 17th anniversary of the demolition was observed today amid tight security in Ayodhya and other places in the country.
Under categoric directions from the Union Home Ministry, Uttar Pradesh and other state governments beefed up security and Ayodhya-Faizabad area was converted into a virtual fortress.
While the VHP observed the day as "Shourya Diwas (valour day)", Samajwadi Party marked it as "Kala Diwas (black day)". All India Babri Masjid Action Committee has decided to organise special prayers for peace and harmony.
In Ayodhya, besides central forces, 500 personnel of PAC, 200 jawans of Rapid Action Force, three bomb detecting squads and anti-sabotage teams have been deployed, officials said.
CCTV cameras were in operation at the disputed site with the authorities banning public gatherings and security forces keeping a close vigil on the Saryu river here.
The authorities are extra careful this time as the atmosphere has become surcharged with the Liberhan Commission report indicting senior BJP leaders including Atal Bihari Vajpayee, LK Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi in connection with the demolition. The report, tabled in Parliament, however, exonerated then prime minister PV Narasimha Rao.
According to UP's Additional Director General (Law and Order) Brijlal, district police chiefs have been asked to ensure that the programmes held by different organisations to mark the occasion did not vitiate communal harmony.
He said RAF teams have been deployed in Faizabad, Gorakhpur, Lucknow, Moradabad, Aligarh, Varanasi, Mau, Kanpur and other districts.
Sources said public places including railway stations, bus stands and markets were kept under surveillance to avert any attempt to disturb law and order.
SP state chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the Centre was not serious in resolving the Ayodhya dispute and that the minority community was feeling insecure.
He said communal forces were again trying to vitiate the communal atmosphere in the state and attributed it to "hobnobbing" between Congress and ruling BSP in UP.
RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has said there was no question of the Sangh regretting the demolition of Babri Masjid and maintained that its full support to the Ram temple movement will continue.
In Delhi, security has been stepped up with the All India Babri Masjid Re-building Committee as well as other outfits like Rastravadi Sena holding various functions in connection with the anniversary of the demolition.
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