VHP build-up worries minority community

Ayodhya (UP):  The Muslim litigant in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title suit, Iqbal Ansari Saturday said he was satisfied with the security arrangements in Ayodhya ahead of the VHP ‘Dharam Sabha’, but questioned the intention of the leaders in bringing such large crowds to the town.

While Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will offer prayers at the Ram janmabhoomi, the VHP will organise a ‘Dharam Sabha’ in Ayodhya on Sunday to call for the construction of a grand temple for Lord Ram.

“If anyone has any issue on the matter of temple-mosque, he or she should go to Delhi and Lucknow to express their views,” Ansari, who succeeded his father late Hashim Ansari as the main litigant in the case, told PTI.

“They can gherao the (UP) Vidhan Sabha or Parliament if they want but leave the people of Ayodhya in peace,” added Mr Ansari as he cast aspersions on the intentions of those encouraging people to gather at the temple town and “posing problems” for the locals.

He, however, lauded the UP government for the security arrangements. “The Yogi Adityanath government has done what is required with tight security arrangements in place in Ayodhya,” he said.

“We are satisfied with the steps taken by the government... The Yogi government is on the right track,” he added.

On the fears among some that history might be repeated in Ayodhya with such a large congregation of ‘Ram Bhakts’, Mr Ansari said the situation this time was different from 1992 as all the eyes were on the events taking place here.

“The media, especially the electronic media, is telecasting everything before the country and the government is also maintaining a tight vigil,” he said.