Centre seeks details of security at Ayodhya

NEW DELHI, OCT 24 The Home Ministry has asked the Uttar Pradesh Government to give details of the arrangements made at the sanctum sanctorum of the makeshift Ram temple at Ayodhya following apprehension that some organisations might again try to storm the prohibited area on the occasion of Dusherra or Deepawali.

The Government was keeping a ``closer watch'' on Ayodhya and a detailed report had been sought from the U.P. Government about the security arrangements at the disputed site, official sources said.

A Central team would be sent to the disputed site only after the Home Ministry received the report from the State. However, the Government was prepared to meet threats from any of the organisations to force their entry into the sanctum sanctorum of the temple.

A high-level ministerial meeting was held on Tuesday evening where the issue of security at the temple was reviewed.

Meanwhile, the Union Home Minister, Mr. L. K. Advani sought to downplay the entire issue of trespassing in Ayodhya by some VHP leaders.

To a specific question about the report of the U.P. Government about the trespassing on October 17, Mr. Advani said ``what report? the issue is being handled by the State Government.'' An FIR had already been registered against the VHP leaders including Mr. Ashok Singhal and Giriraj Kishore.

- PTI

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