Security tightened in Ayodhya on Babri demolition anniversary

ayodhya_dharam_sabha Indian Security personnel stand guard along a road during 'Dharam Sabha' Hindu congregation held to call for the construction of a grand temple of Lord Rama, in Ayodhya on November 25 | AFP

The UP government has made strict security arrangements in Ayodhya today, but life in this sacred city is going smoothly. December 6 has special significance for Ayodhya. Because, it was on this day that Babri mosque was demolished in 1992.

In earlier years, the city would wear a deserted look before December 6 and an eerie silence would prevail. But this time, atmosphere in the city is a bit different. The banks of Sarayu river are abuzz with the activities of pilgrims there is a hustle-bustle in Hanumangarhi area which is quite near to the disputed site. There has not been much preparations for either shaurya diwas (day of valour) observed by Hindus or yaum-e-gham (day of sorrow) observed by Muslims.

There has been no prohibition on darshan and pooja. There is also no prohibition on programmes traditionally organised by either communities every year.

The city SP Anil Singh said adequate security arrangements have been made and DG (director general of police) headquarters have provided sufficient security personnel to prevent any untoward incident. For security, the administration has deployed six companies of PAC, two companies of RAF besides 500 constables of general police.

Meanwhile, the police have arrested four activists of Hindu Samaj Party when they were trying to enter the Ram Janmabhoomi area. The party had earlier announced plans to perform kar seva on December 6 this year in Ayodhya.

This year, the number of pilgrims to the city has also gone up and the reason is attributed to Deepotsav (festival of lights ) held in Ayodhya. This year, till November, 1.75 crore pilgrims have visited Ayodhya while in the whole of last year 1.40 crore devotees visited the city.