Shahi Imam opposes steel structure at disputed site in Ayodhya

New Delhi, July 7 (UNI) Construction of a bullet-proof steel encasing for lord Ram's idol at the disputed site in Ayodhya would violate Supreme Court orders to maintain the status quo there, the Shahi Imam of Delhi's historic Fatehpuri Mosque said today, opposing the Centre's reported proposal.

''Construction of a steel room at the site means building a temple at the place where Babri mosque was demolished even while the title case is pending in court,'' Maulana Mufti M Mukarram Ahmed told the Friday congregation at the mosque.

The Government could deploy more security personnel to guard against terrorist attacks instead of taking recourse to such steps at the site, he added.

UNI VN MA DS1700