MADURAI
Babri Masjid demolition day anniversary on Thursday passed off peacefully in the district amid protests organised by various Muslim organisations seeking construction of the masjid at Ayodhya.
Over 2,000 police personnel were deployed in the city as a precautionary measure. The city police had beefed up security at all vital installations and sensitive places, including offices of Muslim organisations and Hindu outfits. The police conducted searches at lodges and verified stocks at licensed explosive units.
Additional police personnel were deployed at places of worships and crowded spots like bus stands, railway stations and airport. Openline patrolling along railway line was carried out.
Both Railway Protection Force and Tamil Nadu Railway Police stepped up security at Madurai railway junction and wayside stations throughout the division.
Passengers were frisked and their luggage were screened before they entered the stations. Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad and dog squad were pressed into service.
At a protest organised by Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam, leaders from various political parties, including Pon Muthuramalingam of the DMK, Vijayarajan of the CPI (M) and Hasan Raja of the Congress, took part. TMMK district president S. Sheik Ibrahim said the demand of Muslims was reconstruction of the masjid at Ayodhya. “The Supreme Court should give its verdict at the earliest and allow construction of the masjid at the site where it was demolished. Those behind the demolition should be punished,” he said.
Separate protests were held by Social Democratic Party of India, Manithaneya Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam and Manithaneya Jananayaka Katchi.
Hindu Front conducted a demonstration urging the Centre to allow construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya.
Ambedkar death anniversary
Meanwhile, police protection was provided to statues of freedom fighers B.R. Ambedkar, Muthuramalinga Thevar and Marudhu brothers in view of the death anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar.
Cadre of various political parties and organisations garlanded the statue of Dr. Ambedkar at Tallakulam.
Members of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi and the Tamil Puligal took out rallies from Tallakulam to the statue.