Even as the police were on their toes, demonstrations and agitations demanding reconstruction of Babri Masjid at Ayodhya and construction of Ram temple at the disputed site marked the Babri Masjid demolition anniversary across the city on Friday.
Members of the Vivekanandar People’s Movement of the Indua Makkal Katchi numbering around 20 tried to picket the Peelamedu Airport demanding that Ram temple should be constructed at Ayodhya and Ram Sethu should be declared as a holy shrine. Police prevented them from reaching the airport and were removed.
Similarly, activists of the Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam (TMMK) staged a demonstration in front of Red Cross Society building on Huzur Road in the city. They urged the apex court to ensure speedy disposal of the case relating to the disputed site in Ayodhya. They raised slogans demanding that the site be handed over to the Muslims and action against those involved in the demolition.
Activists of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal staged a demonstration and attempted a picketing in front of Red Cross Society buildings demanding construction of Ram temple. A total of 96 activists were removed by the police. Activists, who offered special poojas and performed yagnas for the same set of demands at a temple in Town Hall were also removed by the police.
Nearly 60 activists of Bharat Sena, who tried to carry a pillar to Ayodhya for temple construction were prevented by the police. Activists of the Hindu Munnani numbering more than 500 who attempted a demonstration near Gandhipuram Tamil Nadu Hotel were also removed by the police.
Tirupur: Nearly 900 people from different outfits were arrested for staging agitations in the city.
Of them, 850 people were from Hindu Munnani, who were picked up by the city police from near Corporation office, for demanding an Act to construct temple at the disputed land.
While the arrested Hindu Munnani members were being taken into a bus, someone broke the rear wind shield of the vehicle.
Police sources said the stone thrown by one of the agitators sitting inside the bus, caused the damage.
As many as 32 members of India Thowheeth Jamath (ITJ) were arrested when they attempted rail blockade agitation with the demand that the entire 64 accused in the Masjid demolition should be prosecuted.
“We also wanted the land in which the mosque was located, to be handed over to the Muslims,” ITJ State secretary M. Jaffer said.
Eleven members of Hindu Makkal Katchi were arrested when they distributed sweets near Collectorate stating that the prayers offered now under Hindu custom in the disputed area should be continued.
Udhagamandalam: With security being beefed up, the demolition anniversary passed off peacefully in the Nilgiris on Friday.
Police sources said that no untoward incidents were reported from any part of the district. Vigil was stepped up near vulnerable places.
Scores of supporters of the TMMK staged a demonstration here.
A total of 47 persons owing allegiance to the Hindu Munnani were arrested when they tried to stage a demonstration without permission. Similarly, 33 persons were arrested in Coonoor, seven in Gudalur and 15 in Kotagiri.
