India: Tight security marks 25 years after mosque razed

By Shuriah Niazi

NEW DELHI, India

Security across India was tightened on Wednesday on the 25th anniversary of the demolition of a 16th century mosque in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.

Extensive security was seen in various Indian cities, as right-wing Hindu organizations marked what they called a “day of valor”, versus what Muslims call a “day of sorrow”.

In order to avoid any incitement, security has been tightened in the town of Ayodhya, former site of the historic Babri Mosque, including paramilitary troops in sensitive locations of the city, said media reports.

India’s Home Ministry also issued an advisory asking state governments to ensure that law and order is maintained.

Ashutosh Jaiswal, the leader of right-wing group Hindu Sena (Hindu Army), told Anadolu Agency: “It’s a day of celebration for us.

“We want a temple of Ram to be constructed at the disputed site at the earliest. Muslims should also support Hindus in construction of the temple.”

“We want early resolution of the case. We have asked Muslims to observe the day peacefully and hold special prayers,” Zafaryab Jilani of the the Babri Masjid Action Committee (BMAC) told Anadolu Agency.

The dispute over the site of the destroyed mosque in the ancient city of Ayodhya is a decades-old issue between India’s Hindus and Muslims which has resulted in thousands of deaths over the years.

In December 1992, Hindus gathered at the disputed site and destroyed the 16th-century mosque named after the Mughal Emperor Babur. The destruction prompted nationwide riots that left around 2,000 people dead.

Since then, Muslims have been calling for a new mosque at the same site, while Hindus have been demanding a temple, claiming their divine Lord Ram or Rama was born there.

The case over the dispute has been languishing in India’s legal system for years without any final outcome.