Ayodhya: Security has been beefed up in Ayodhya on the eve of the 17th anniversary of the demolition of Babri masjid, a top police official said on Saturday.
The demolition of the 16th century mosque in 1992 sparked one of the worst religious riots since India's independence in 1947.
"Keeping December 06 in mind we have taken adequate security measures in both Ayodhya and Faizabad. Three layers of security have been deployed," said Superintendent of Police (City), Faizabad, Gyaneshwar Tiwari.
The Home Ministry on Friday had advised all provinces to be on alert in the run up to the anniversary of the flashpoint of religious tension.
Muslims across India mark the day as 'Black Day'.
Meanwhile, Hindu radicals said that they would observe the day as 'Shaurya Diwas' (Gallantry Day).
"For the construction of a temple on the birthplace of lord Ram the volunteers had demolished the structure and to commemorate the occasion every year and this year also we will celebrate because the demolition of the structure is a matter of pride for us," said Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader, Ram Vilas Vedanti.
On December 6, 1992, radical Hindus destroyed the Babri mosque in Ayodhya in a fiery campaign to build a Ram temple at the place, which they believe was Lord Ram's birthplace.
They believe a temple was destroyed by Muslim warriors at the site in the 16th century.
Some 3,000 people died in the riots that followed the demolition of the masjid.
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