FAIZABAD: Ahead of the proposed gathering of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Shiv Sena activists in Ayodhya, local Muslims say they are living in fear and might even migrate from Ayodhya.
On November 24 and 25, the VHP has announced a ‘Sant Sammelan’ and the Shiv Sena has announced a meeting of seers and a public meeting to be addressed by Sena chief Uddhav Thackarey. Both outfits have claimed a gathering of about 1 lakh people in their events.
Muslim litigants in the Babri Masjid demolition case say that Muslim population in Ayodhya is under fear as lakhs of karsewaks are expected to gather there. Iqbal Ansari, a prime litigant in the case, has demanded security for Muslims from the government.
“As VHP and Shiv Sena are gathering activists in large numbers in Ayodhya, the Muslim community is feeling insecure. We might migrate from Ayodhya due to fear,” he said. “We demand special forces from the government to protect the lives and properties of Muslims from the hooliganism of VHP and Shiv Sena activists,” he added.
Another litigant, Haji Mahboob, said, “Muslims of Ayodhya still remember December 6, 1992, when Muslims were attacked and killed”.
“We do not want any disturbance in Ayodhya; we want to live in peace. Ayodhya is our birthplace. We have been living here for generations but we remember how VHP and Shiv Sena activists attacked Muslims after the demolition of Babri Masjid,” said Mohammad Umar, also a litigant.
Reacting to the concerns, UP DGP OP Singh said his police force would work to address grievances of Muslims. He rejected the possibility of a communal tension.
“I haven’t seen the statement of anyone in Ayodhya but if anyone feels insecure in UP, it is the job of UP Police to ensure their safety and we will do that,” said Singh.
“Not just in Ayodhya, but even elsewhere in UP, no minority group feels uncomfortable. We are proud that we have not witnessed a single communal incident during in the past one-and-half years. We are prompt to address any grievance,” he said. Faizabad SP city Anil Kumar Singh said, “No one needs to fear. We are arranging for heavy security for the proposed events of VHP and Shiv Sena.”
On November 24 and 25, the VHP has announced a ‘Sant Sammelan’ and the Shiv Sena has announced a meeting of seers and a public meeting to be addressed by Sena chief Uddhav Thackarey. Both outfits have claimed a gathering of about 1 lakh people in their events.
Muslim litigants in the Babri Masjid demolition case say that Muslim population in Ayodhya is under fear as lakhs of karsewaks are expected to gather there. Iqbal Ansari, a prime litigant in the case, has demanded security for Muslims from the government.
“As VHP and Shiv Sena are gathering activists in large numbers in Ayodhya, the Muslim community is feeling insecure. We might migrate from Ayodhya due to fear,” he said. “We demand special forces from the government to protect the lives and properties of Muslims from the hooliganism of VHP and Shiv Sena activists,” he added.
Another litigant, Haji Mahboob, said, “Muslims of Ayodhya still remember December 6, 1992, when Muslims were attacked and killed”.
“We do not want any disturbance in Ayodhya; we want to live in peace. Ayodhya is our birthplace. We have been living here for generations but we remember how VHP and Shiv Sena activists attacked Muslims after the demolition of Babri Masjid,” said Mohammad Umar, also a litigant.
Reacting to the concerns, UP DGP OP Singh said his police force would work to address grievances of Muslims. He rejected the possibility of a communal tension.
“I haven’t seen the statement of anyone in Ayodhya but if anyone feels insecure in UP, it is the job of UP Police to ensure their safety and we will do that,” said Singh.
“Not just in Ayodhya, but even elsewhere in UP, no minority group feels uncomfortable. We are proud that we have not witnessed a single communal incident during in the past one-and-half years. We are prompt to address any grievance,” he said. Faizabad SP city Anil Kumar Singh said, “No one needs to fear. We are arranging for heavy security for the proposed events of VHP and Shiv Sena.”
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