Ayodhya peaceful; Muslims, Hindus vow to build mosque, temple

Saffron outfits vowed to construct a grand Ram temple at the disputed site while Muslims prayed for building a mosque as the 18th anniversary of the razing of the Babri shrine passed off peacefully in Uttar Pradesh today.

Amid tight security, VHP and Bajrang Dal held separate functions in twin cities of Faizabad and Ayodhya and took vows for building a Ram temple at the disputed site.

Muslims observed the day as "yom-e-gam" (day of grief) and and prayed for reconstruction of the Babri mosque.

They also unfurled black flags at a mosque in Beniganj to express anguish over the demolition of the Babri shrine on this day in 1992.

VHP leaders, including former MP Ram Vilas Vedanti, took part in "Hanuman Chalisa" recital at Kar Sewakpuram.

No untoward incident was reported from any place in Uttar Pradesh on the 18th anniversary of the demolition of the Babri mosque, officials said.

PAC, Rapid Action Force and police were deployed in strength, especially in vulnerable places, to ensure peace.

Round-the-clock vigil was kept at all points leading to Ayodhya-Faizabad, the officials said.

Thirteen Hindu Mahasabha activists were arrested for violating prohibitory orders in Faizabad, they said adding all of them were later released.