Ayodhya, December 6: Heavy security has been beefed up in the holy city of Ayodhya on Thursday ahead of the 26th anniversary of the demolition of Babri mosque. Security personnel are keeping a tight vigil especially in the wake of saffron outfits raising a pitch over the sensitive Ram Mandir issue. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) is preparing to observe this day as 'Shaurya Diwas' (Day of bravery) on December 6 to be followed by Gita Jayanti celebrations on December 18. Ram Mandir in Ayodhya: 'Lord Ram Himself Will Set the Date For Temple Construction', Says UP CM Yogi Adityanath.

According to officials, around 2,500 security personnel, besides Rapid Action Force and paramilitary Central Reserve Police Force(CRPF), have been deployed in the city as a part of multi-layered security in Ayodhya. This comes after the VHP and Bajrang Dal had organised a ‘Dharam Sabha’ (religious conclave) on November 25 on the Ram Mandir issue. Google Maps Showed Mandir Yehi Banega Near Ram Janmabhoomi Site at Ayodhya, View Pic.

"We have heavy security deployment in the twin towns of Faizabad-Ayodhya. The civil police along with CRPF and RAF have been deployed on roads and sensitive localities," Superintendent of Police, Faizabad Anil Singh said.

"Checking of vehicles, hotels and dharmshala (rest houses) in Ayodhya is being conducted. We have made all necessary security arrangements and have allowed the only programme which is held by both the communities every year," he said.

Ram Janmabhoomi/Babri Masjid title suit is pending in the Supreme Court, which is scheduled to be heard on January 2019. Nearly 14 appeals have been filed in the apex court against the high court judgement delivered in four civil suits, that the 2.77-acre land is partitioned equally among three parties i.e. the Nirmohi Akhara, the Sunni Waqf Board, and Ram Lalla. After the top court refused the early hearing, Hindu right-wing outfits have demanded the government to bring an ordinance to facilitate construction of Ram Mandir at the disputed site.

On December 6, 1992, the 16th century Babri Masjid in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya was demolished by a large crowd of karsevaks and Hindu groups. This event polarised India and led to communal riots between Hindus and Muslims in several parts of the country, causing the death of at least 2,000 people. This tragic event stems from a Hindu group believe that a temple marking Lord Ram's birthplace was razed by Babur to build the Babri Masjid in 1528. The dispute over the site is still on as the verdict on what can be built is still awaited.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 06, 2018 10:02 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).