Hindu, Muslim groups' demo in Delhi to mark Babri anniversary

NEW DELHI: The Liberhan Commission report was at the centre of protests in New Delhi on Sunday as various organisations marked the 17th anniversary of the demolition of the Babri Masjid, with some demanding implementation of its recommendations and others questioning its veracity.

Tight security was in place in the capital to ensure that no untoward incident takes place, as Muslim organisations observed the anniversary as 'black day', while some Hindu groups celebrated it as Vijay Diwas or victory day.

A heavy presence of security personnel was seen at the Parliament Street, where several groups, including All India Babri Masjid Rebuilding Committee (AIBMRC), the Popular Front of India (PFI), the Shiv Sena and Hindu Mahasabha converged.

AIBMRC members held a protest at Jantar Mantar demanding legal action against those indicted in the Liberhan report.

"BJP leader LK Advani and others mentioned as culprits should be arrested and tried on a fast-track basis. Legal action is necessary against the RSS, VHP, Bajrang Dal and Shiv Sena click because they violated the law of the land and caused great harm to the secular image of India," said AIBMRC president Mohammed Younus Siddiqui.

They later submitted a memorandum to President Pratibha Patil to refer the Ayodhya dispute to the Supreme Court under Article 138-B of the Constitution for a "time-bound and binding" decision.

"Muslims respect the law of the land. They will respect whatever decion the SC gives, whether in favour of the mosque or the temple," Siddiqui said.