Babri Masjid anniversary passes off peacefully in Hyderabad

Tight security arrangements were made at the historic Mecca Masjid and other sensitive places in the old city.

File photo.

Hyderabad:  The 26th anniversary of the demolition of the Babri Masjid passed off peacefully amid tight security in Hyderabad on Thursday.

A shutdown call given by various Muslim organisations evoked partial response in the old city of Hyderabad as some shops and business establishments remained closed. A section of private schools were also closed.

Police foiled an attempt by Darsgah Jihad-o-Shadat (DJS) activists to take out a rally, demanding reconstruction of the demolished mosque at the same site in Ayodhya. The protestors were arrested.

JDS leaders said it was unfortunate that they were not even allowed to conduct a peaceful protest to demand the restoration of the site where the 16th century Babri Masjid stood until it was razed on this day in 1992 by a Hindu mob.

The United Muslim Forum (MUF), comprising various Muslim organisations, had called upon Muslims to observe the shutdown peacefully. It called for a voluntary shutdown and appealed to Muslims to pray for the restoration of the mosque.

Though the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) is a part of MUF, the political party was not a signatory to the joint statement calling for shutdown, apparently in view of Friday's polling for Telangana Assembly elections.

Tight security arrangements were made at the historic Mecca Masjid and other sensitive places in the old city.

Muslim organization Wahdat-e-Islami held a public meeting at a mosque in Saeedabad area. Its leader Moulana Mohammed Naseeruddin said December 6 was a black day for Indian Muslims.

IANS