Stray protests marked the 19th anniversary of the Babri mosque demolition today as authorities stepped up security, especially in communally sensitive areas in various states.
Stray protests marked the 19th anniversary of the Babri mosque demolition today as authorities stepped up security, especially in communally sensitive areas in various states.
Besides the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri mosque site in Ayodhya, security was beefed up at the ghats and temples in Varanasi and vital installations in Uttar Pradesh.
No untoward incident was reported from anywhere.
"Directives were issued to increase vigil in public places like market areas, railways and bus stations across the state. Surprise checking of hotels, guest houses and lodges were carried out," a UP officer said in Lucknow.
Security agencies were directed to keep an eye on movement of vehicles in districts bordering Nepal.
Special arrangements were made around jails, where terror accused are lodged, Additional Director General, Law and Order, Subesh Kumar Singh said.
Security was enhanced at railway stations and random checking of luggage was initiated, a railway official said.
In Ayodhya, some members of the Muslim community hoisted black flags at their homes and establishments. The anniversary coincided with Muharram, which is observed as a day of mourning by the community.
Vishwa Hindu Parishad and local unit of RSS held programmes at VHP's local headquarters in Ayodhya.
"No untoward incident was reported in Ayodhya and Faizabad," SSP, Faizabad, RK Chaturvedi said.
In Jaipur, a symbolic dharna was organised by members of a Muslim group demanding construction of a mosque at the disputed site in Ayodhya and action against those behind the demolition.
In Patna, NCP workers led by party state unit general secretary Shakil Ahmed burnt an effigy symbolising "communal forces" and RJD took out a procession to protest against the December 1992 demolition.
In Coimbatore, workers belonging to Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam staged a demonstration, demanding an early verdicts in the cases related to Babri Masjid.
The demonstrators, led by P Abdul Samad, General Secretary Manithaneya Makkal Katchi, the political wing of TMMK, raised slogans demanding immediate arrest of leaders responsible for its demolition.
Appealing for peace, the All India Babri Masjid Action Committee (AIBMAC) had said no programme which might disturb law and order should be organised.
"Peaceful programmes should be organised like previous years and memorandums should be submitted to the government through District Magistrates," AIBMAC convener Zafaryab Jilani had said in a statement in Lucknow yesterday.
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