Anniversary of Babri demolition marked amid tight security

Ayodhya, Dec 6 (PTI) 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 Sunday amid
tight security in Ayodhya in north India and other places in
the country.

Under categoric directions from the Indian Home Ministry,
Uttar Pradesh and other state governments beefed up security
and Ayodhya-Faizabad area was converted into a virtual
fortress.
While the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) observed the day as
"Shourya Diwas (valour day)", Samajwadi Party (SP) 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
Provincial Armed Constabulary (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 leaders of opposition party Bharatiya
Janata Party (BJP) including Atal Bihari Vajpayee, L K Advani
and Murli Manohar Joshi in connection with the demolition. The
report, tabled in Parliament, however, exonerated then Prime
Minister of India P V Narasimha Rao. (More) PTI SDG
MYR


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