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India on alert for Ayodhya demolition anniversaryTight security amid fears of renewed clashes
NEW DELHI, India -- Security forces across India are on high alert for the 10th anniversary of the demolition of a mosque by Hindu extremists that triggered some of the country's worst sectarian violence. Thousands of extra police and paramilitary forces have been deployed across the country fearing that the anniversary will trigger terrorist attacks or renewed rioting. The destruction of the 16th century Babri mosque in 1992 sparked clashes between Hindu and Muslim mobs across the country leaving more than 2,000 people dead. The mosque, in the northern city of Ayodhya, was built on a site believed by Hindus to have been the birthplace of the mythical god-king, Rama. Hindu groups say the mosque was built by an invading Moghul emperor after he ordered the demolition of an earlier Hindu shrine. Hardline Hindu groups such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) -- itself allied to the governing party of Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee -- are campaigning for a new temple to be built at the site of the razed mosque. The legal argument over the ownership of the site has become bogged down in the Indian courts. Round-the-clock guard
This year the anniversary of the demolition also coincides with Eid celebrations marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, adding to tensions and fears of renewed clashes. Officials say some 1,500 police have been deployed around-the-clock to guard the site of the destroyed mosque -- currently occupied by a makeshift temple. Several Hindu groups say they plan to hold rallies in Ayodhya to mark the destruction of the mosque, an act they regard as a religious victory. Tensions are particularly high in the western state of Gujarat, scene to bloody sectarian violence earlier this year that left over 1,000 dead -- most of them Muslims. Train attackThe violence was sparked by an attack on a train traveling through the state that killed at least 58 people, most of them Hindu activists returning from a rally at the site in Ayodhya. The attack led to months of clashes between Hindu and Muslim gangs in the state, particularly in the city of Ahmedabad, Gujarat's commercial capital. Thousands of paramilitary soldiers have been deployed on the city streets in an effort to prevent outbreaks of further violence during the sensitive anniversary period. However, the VHP says it is planning to hold at least two processions in the city Friday in defiance of official directives that it hold only low-key programs. The Associated Press & Reuters contributed to this report.
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