Hundreds of sadhus, who were marking the 16th anniversary of the demolition of the Babri Masjid at the Karsewakpuram in Ayodhya, ended up burning Pakistani flags to protest the 'Pakistani sponsored terror attack on Mumbai'.
"We had planned to gather here to reiterate our long pending demand for construction of a grand temple, in place of the makeshift temple in which Lord Ram's deity has been lying, ever since the mosque structure was removed on December 6, 1992. Later, we decided to condemn the terror unleashed by Pakistan on our country," said Sharad Sharma, spokesperson of the local unit of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.
"And what could have been a better way to condemn Pakistan," he added.
The sadhus also chanted 'Pakistan murdabad' while burning the flags.
Leading the group of hundreds of saffron-clad sadhus, former Bhartiya Janata Party member of parliament Mahant Ram Vilas Vedanti gave a call for 'military attack on Pakistan'. Ayodhya's leading saint and Ramjanmbhoomi Trust chief Mahant Nritya Gopal Das was also present at the demonstration.
"Fight back terrorists and attack Pakistan," chanted the crowd, as Rapid Action Force personnel kept a watch on them.
"The only way to bring an end to this menace of terrorism is by taking firm military action against Pakistan," declared Vedanti.
When asked about the incident, Senior Superintendent of Police R K S Rathore said,"I am not aware of anything of that sort." He added hastily, "If they are doing anything within the four walls of their own private premises, then it does not concern us."
Though the twin towns of Ayodhya-Faizabad remained tense on Saturday, no untoward incidents were reported from any part of the district.
More from rediff