Ayodhya, Dec 5 (ANI): On the eve of the 17th anniversary of the demolition of Babri mosque in Ayodhya, some Muslims organizations here recalled the event that resulted in horror in various parts of the country.

Recalling, Azmad Ullah, a local, whose brother and nephew were killed in riots following the event demanded that mosque should be rebuilt at the disputed site.

“They suddenly started destroying everything and brought down the Babri mosque with the bulldozer and people started running everywhere. Bt now it has become a political issue. All of us want peace in Ayodhya and we want the mosque to be rebuilt there,” said Azmad Ullah.

Khalid Mohammad Aslam, a hafiz, said that people of the town also worked hand in glove with outsiders in demolishing the mosque.

“Outsiders were also involved but people from here also helped them, else how would they know who lives where? There is no denying that outsiders were involved in the destruction but locals were also equally involved,” said Aslam.

Voicing similar sentiments, Jagdish Prasad Gupta, a resident, said that outside elements should not be allowed to create disturbance in Ayodhya and security should be given priority.

“The situation is normal if outside elements do not create any disturbance here. Muslims and Hindus live in peace and harmony in Ayodhya and we attend each other’s religious functions, as well. Outsiders should not be allowed. Security for December 6 is always there and this time it is more,” said Gupta.

Meanwhile, Union Home Ministry has advised all the states to be on high alert.

A Government spokesman has said that all states have been directed to put in adequate security measures to maintain communal peace.

The demolition of the structure in 1992, which once housed a mosque, sparked one of the worst religious riots since country’s independence in 1947. (ANI)