Ayodhya: PM for bullet-proof security of idols

New Delhi, Jul 10: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Singh today defended the UPA government's decision to seek approval of the Supreme Court for bullet-proof security to Lord Ram idols at the disputed site in Ayodhya, saying it was vital to safeguard the structure from terrorists' attack and prevent any threat to communal amity.

''If terrorists succeed in their mission to harm the disputed site in Ayodhya, it would cause enormous damage to the secular fabric of the country. It may also result into disharmony and communal tension,'' Dr Singh told Delhi Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Shoaib Iqbal, who has opposed the government move.

The Prime Minister said the government felt that it was paramount to protect the site and prevent terrorists from targeting it.

He, however, assured Mr Iqbal he would convey his feelings to the Home Ministry.

The Delhi Assembly Deputy Speaker, who called on the Prime Minister to protest the government move, said the Muslim community ''very much resented the zeal of the authorities to seek approval of the Supreme Court'' to erect a bullet-proof enclosure for the idols at the disputed site.

''It is another dangerous and highly improper act of omission and commission as were those earlier blamed on the authorities for letting the idols stay in the Babri Masjid, opening of locks there, 'shilanayas' at Ayodhya and demolition of the Babri Masjid,'' he said in a memorandum to the Prime Minister.

Mr Iqbal also sought Dr Singh's intervention in the matter to ''redress the grievances'' of the minority community.

The Deputy Speaker had earlier met the Prime Minister on May 12 in connection with the problems being faced by the Muslims in offering 'Namaz' in the historical mosques in the capital, which are under the control of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

In this connection, he urged Dr Singh to allow some Imams to look after the mosques, on the plea that it would be in tune with religious sentiments of the Muslim community.

Mr Iqbal said a total of 53 historical mosques in Delhi are under the control of the ASI. ''On Fridays and on some other occasions, Muslims are compelled to offer 'namaz' on roads, pavements and in parks because the ASI is preventing them for using these mosques.'' He also drew attention to the fact that under Rule 7, sub-rule-2 of the Ancient Monument and Archaelogical Sites and Remains Rule, 1959, no prohibition applied in case of customary and recognised religious acts.

UNI

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