UP denies permission to VHP programme in Ayodhya

The Uttar Pradesh government Monday denied permission to the proposed "84 kosi parikrama" planned by the Vishwa Hindi Parishad (VHP) in Ayodhya and its surrounding areas from Aug 25, officials said.

Announcing the decision to ban the parikrama or the circumambulation of sacred places, Principal Secretary (Home) R.M. Srivastava and Director General of Police (DGP) Devraj Nagar told media persons that the state government cannot allow any new practice to be started.

Noting the traditional parikrama' had taken place in the month of April and May, the senior officials said they had received a letter from the VHP seeking beginning of a new parikrama from Aug 25 that would go on till Sep 13.

"This cannot be allowed as this could trigger communal tension in the area as well as in the state," said Nagar.

The officials also cited the Supreme Court order of May 9, 2011 directing that status quo should be maintained in the disputed area at the Ram Janmabhoomi site.

Srivastava said that since VHP had clearly said in its request letter that it was committed to the construction of a grand temple at the disputed site, the proposed parkikrama could affect the apex court's order.

The VHP had sought permission to hold the 84 kosi parikrama in Faizabad (where Ayodhya is), Barabanki, Gonda, Bahraich, Basti and Ambedkarnagar districts.

The Akhilesh Yadav government has however denied permission to hold the event in any of these six districts.

Asked what would be the stand of the state government if the VHP defied the ban and went ahead with its plans for the event, aimed at mobilizing Hindu support for a Ram temple in Ayodhya, they said in such a case, law would take its own course.

"A decision has been taken at the government level not to allow any such congregation or activity. Anybody who tries to go ahead will not be allowed to vitiate the communal peace in the state and action would be taken accordingly," the officials said.

-- Indo-Asian News Service

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