Babri anniversary peaceful in UP

The 15th anniversary of the Babri masjid demolition passes off peacefully in UP amid tight security arrangements.

The 15th anniversary of the Babri masjid demolition on Thursday passed off peacefully in UP amid tight security arrangements even as a Muslim group threatened a protest march to the disputed site if the accused in the case are not "punished within a month".

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Over 20 youth activists of Hindu Mahasabha were detained when they tried to disrupt a meeting of Muslim leaders while Hindu mahants organised a function at Karsevakpuram and blamed the Centre's "appeasement policy" for the rise in terrorism.

"The day passed off peacefully and there were no reports of untoward incidents from anywhere in the state," Principal Secretary J N Chamber told reporters in Lucknow.

In Ayodhya, Babri Masjid Action Committee convenor Zafaryab Jilani said it was demanding a fresh notification in the demolition case registered at Ramjanmabhoomi police station in 1992.

Title suit main plaintiff Hashim Ansari said the Central and state governments should take initiatives to get the accused punished in a month or they would march to the acquired land complex (disputed site) to lodge their protest.

Muslims in this temple town downed shutters and observed 'Yaum-e-Gham' while Sangh parivar groups had declared it 'Shaurya', 'Sankalp' and 'Vijay diwas'.

In the state capital, Muslim League activists staged a sit-in near the Secretariat and Shiv Sainiks organised a 'hawan' (fire ritual) at Hazratganj.

Tight security was in place across the state with bomb disposal, anti-sabotage teams, RAF, PAC and police personnel deployed at key places including temples.