UP Govt failed to stop construction despite assurance: Centre

New Delhi, Apr 19 (UNI) The Centre today said the UP Government "was unable" to stop construction work at the site of the Babri Masjid despite its assurances on the security of the structure.

In a written submission before the Liberhan Commission, enquiring into the Babri Masjid demolition in Ayodhya, the Centre said,''The Government of Uttar Pradesh had repeatedly given assurances on the security of the structure as well on implementation of court orders. However, it was unable to stop construction work.'' ''It was an act of national shame, what was demolished was not merely an ancient structure but the faith of the minorities in the sense of justice and fair play of the majority. It took their faith in the rule of law and constitutional processes,'' it was stated.

''In July 1992, construction by way of 'kar seva' was started on a part of the acquired land despite court orders to the contrary...

A situation came about in which the then Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao had to intervene in the matter. Subsequently, the 'kar seva' was called off on July 26, 1992,''it was added.

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