Traders boycott roadshow in Ayodhya, even as VHP defies prohibitory ban

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad openly defied prohibitory orders and held a roadshow in support of their Dharam Sabha on Thursday, November 22. Traders in Ayodhya decided to boycott the roadshow fearing a recap of the frenzy on December 6, 1992.

On Thursday, November 22, the Sanyukt Vyapar Mandal of Faizabad said that it would oppose VHP’s Dharam Sabha on Sunday and show black flags to Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray. “They are trying to pollute the peaceful atmosphere of Faizabad and Ayodhya,” said the vyapar mandal president Janardan Pandey.

A source said that they received instructions stating that there should be no violation of the status quo at the site, according to a Times of India report. There has been a heavy deployment of the CRPF, PAC, and civil police in Ayodhya and some additional forces have been deputed in and around the Ram Janmabhoomi premises.

In a statement, VHP regional organisational secretary Bholend said there would be no more congregations and the next stop for them would be the beginning of the temple's construction.

"Ab mandir nirman ke liye sabhayein, pradarshan aur dharna ityadi nahin honge na hi virodhiyon ko samjhaya jayega...seedhe mandir nirman hoga (There would no longer be meetings, processions and protests for Ram temple, opponents will no longer be engaged with... There will only be temple construction)," he added.

This is the last time an effort is being made to make the people opposing the temple construction realise the facts, the VHP leader said.

He also said that if all efforts fail, then “war” was the only way.

The Hindu outfit has also targeted Congress President Rahul Gandhi and former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and said that they were only playing to the gallery.

By wearing a 'janeyu' (sacred thread), travelling to Kailash Mansarovar and chanting the names of some gods does not make them devoted Hindus, the VHP leader said.

Hundreds and thousands of VHP cadres are slated to attend the 'Dharam Sabha' on Sunday, November 25, in the temple town.

The RSS and its other affiliates have also thrown in their support to make the event a show of strength so that the Bharatiya Janata Party government at the Centre can be pressured into acting for the early construction of the temple.

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray will also take part in some events.

VHP’s road show also passed through Muslim-dominated localities of Faizabad under tight security of police force. Although there was additional deployment of forces in minority-dominated localities, Ayodhya corporator Haji Asad said in a TOI report that some Muslims had left the area fearing trouble. The commissioner said the administration was keeping a close vigil on Muslim-dominated areas.

(with inputs from agencies)