Shiv Sena activists march in Allahabad on Sunday to demand the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, on the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition. — AFP
Shiv Sena activists march in Allahabad on Sunday to demand the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, on the anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition. — AFP
The placid waters of Saryu river reflect the mood of the town.
On a slightly foggy winter morning, there is little activity here other than a group of sadhus taking a leisurely dip in the river.
There is business as usual for the roadside kiosks that sell almost everything from piping hot samosas, gooey jalebis, tea, paan masala and even Kurkurey.
The only unusual activity — now usual for the people — is the flag march being conducted by central forces in and around the Ram Janmabhoomi temple and this alone, tells you that it is the 23rd anniversary of Babri demolition.
Ram Chandra Sharma, who sells prasad outside the Hanuman Garhi temple, says rather sarcastically, “No one is bothered now about something that happened 23 years ago. Life for everyone here has moved on but it is the media and the political parties that trying to stoke the fire everywhere. Magar ab koi aag nahin jalti kyonki raakh bhi thandi ho gayi hai (fire will not burn because even the ash has turned cold).”
The VHP on Sunday observed Shaurya Diwas with the usual speeches and tributes to Ashok Singhal who passed away while the Babri Masjid Action Committee members observed the day as Yaum-e-Gham (day of mourning).
Both the events attracted very thin crowds and the audience remained largely unresponsive.
However, the day brings back horrifying memories for those who have been a witnessed to the events of December 6, 1992.
“I can never forget what happened after the demolition. There was complete mayhem and people were running helter-skelter. For the first time in my life, I felt unsafe and was worried about my family. For days after that incident, we were insecure and apprehensive,” says Dr Raghubir Srivastava, a retired medical practitioner in Kasai Bara locality.
In contrast, the young generation is indifferent to what happened then.
Rajvir Maurya, a young student in the Saket University, is completely unconcerned about the December 6 significance.
“It is Sunday so I am lazing around.”
His “best friend”, Razzaq Khan, echoes similar sentiments when he says, “My family members talk about all that happened with the people (read Muslims) after the demolition but I am more concerned about my future than the past. What matters to me is whether I will get a job — not whether a temple or a mosque gets constructed here.”
The Faizabad administration, meanwhile, decided not to take any chances and imposed prohibitory orders in the holy township.
Faizabad district magistrate Anil Dhingra said, “We are extra cautious and keeping a close vigil so the communal harmony is not disturbed.”
