Security tight on Babri Masjid demolition anniversary

Amidst tight security, the 20th anniversary of Babri Mosque demolition is being observed on Thursday in the twin towns of Ayodhya and Faizabad as "black day" and "shaurya diwas" by Muslim and Hindu outfits respectively.

While shops and business establishments owned by Muslims remained partially closed, black flags were seen at some of the mosques.

Both the communities are observing the day in their own way even as security forces have been put on high alert at all the sensitive points in the twin towns.

Hindu groups led by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad organised recital of 'Hanuman Chalisa" at Kar Sewakpuram to reiterate their resolve for construction of Ram Temple at the disputed site.

VHP spokesman Sharad Sharma said a meeting will be held today to take a resolve for temple construction and steps required for safeguarding interests of Hindus.VHP leaders including Mahant Nritya Gopaldas, Ram Vilas Vedanti, Suresh Das among others will take part in the meeting.

Petitioner in the Babri Mosque demolition case, Hashim Ansari said there is no animosity between the two communities.

"Politics is still being played in the name of Babri mosque case but the communities and the people want peace", Ansari said, adding that he had full faith in the judicial process and the matter now rests in the hands of the court.

Annual "yome gam" programme to condemn the demolition of the mosque is scheduled for later in the day at the house of Muslim leader Haji Mehboob.

The 16th century Babri Mosque was demolished by Hindu fundamentalists on this day in 1992.