JOIN USFearing a backlash from Muslim organisations, the Samajwadi Party (SP) government in Uttar Pradesh on Monday refused permission to the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) to hold a 300 km long yatra around Ayodhya from August 25.
Speaking to reporters here, Principal Secretary (home) R M Srivastava and Director-General of Police Deo Raj Nagar said that the proposed “yatra” could pose a threat to communal harmony in the state and would also be in violation of the Supreme Court order to maintain status quo.
The officials cited the request letter by the VHP to the government seeking permission for the yatra and said that it clearly stated that the organisation was committed to the construction of the Ram Temple. “We cannot allow any new practice,” they added.
On being asked about the government response in case the VHP went ahead with the yatra, the officials said that the law will take its course.
The decision came soon after senior UP minister Azam Khan expressed displeasure over the meeting between the VHP leaders, SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav and Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday. Khan said that any compromise on the Ayodhya issue could “send a wrong message” to the Muslim community.
According to sources here, the VHP planned to once again bring the issue into the limelight by holding the yatra.
The VHP leaders on Saturday met Akhilesh and Mulayam, and urged the leaders to ensure adequate safety arrangements for the forthcoming 84 kosi yatra (300 km yatra).