Babri demonstrations turn violent in Delhi

Five people are injured during clashes between Shiv Sena and All India Babri Masjid Rebuilding Committee members on the 15th anniversary of the razing of Babri Masjid.

Five people were injured on Thursday when activists of Shiv Sena and a Muslim organisation clashed during their demonstrations in New Delhi on the 15th anniversary of the demolition of Babri Masjid.

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Violence broke out at around 12 pm at Jantar Mantar when an unidentified man pelted stones at the activists of All India Babri Masjid Re-Building Committee (AIBRC) who were demanding reconstruction of the structure, a senior police official said.

The Shiv Sainiks, who were celebrating the day as 'Vijay Divas', and AIBRC members held their demonstrations close to each other.

The Sainiks marched towards the place of demonstration by AIBRC and both sides started shouting slogans. Soon the war of words began and it ended into a clash between them in which five people were injured.

Additional force were rushed to the spot and police resorted to lathicharge to disperse the crowd. Later, the two organisations resumed their meetings.

Eyewitnesses said there were only a few policemen who tried to manage the agitating demonstrators.