Amidst tight security, the 11th anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition passed off peacefully with Muslims observing 'mourning' and Hindus holding prayers in Ayodhya even as the Muslim Personal Law Board said the court verdict should be followed to resolve the dispute.
Around 450 activists of the Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazagham were arrested as they tried to stage a protest rally in Coimbatore.
Additional RAF and CRPF personnel were deployed in Ayodhya and other sensitive places across the country.
In Ayodhya, Muslims observed the day as Kheraj-e-akidat (day of mourning) and Hindus organised a 'shanti yagna' (peace prayers) at a temple.
The All India Muslim personal Law Board Convernor S Q R Ilyasi said at a seminar in New Delhi that "We are waiting for the court's verdict and will abide by whatever decision it takes."
Babri Masjid Action Committee convenor Zafaryab Jilani, who took part in the 'mourning day' programme in the temple-town said as there was no hope of the dispute being resolved through dialogue, both communities should prepare to accept the court verdict.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad, which gave a call for observing 'valour' day, organised a scooter rally and blood donation camp in Lucknow and held a meeting with leaders urging the NDA government to pass a legislation in Parliament in favour of construction of Ram Temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya.
In Varanasi, about 150 Shiv Sainiks were arrested from different parts of the city while taking out a procession to mark 'shaurya diwas'.
The day passed off peacefully with no law and order related incident reported from anywhere in Uttar Pradesh, Principal Secretary Home, Anil Kumar told reporters.
Reports from Indore and Ahmedabad said that the city units of VHP there organised 'maha-aartis' and trident distribution functions to mark the day.
Muslim outfits in Tamil Nadu staged demonstrations demanding reconstruction of Babri Masjid at the disputed site.
Over 26,000 policemen were deployed to maintain law and order in the southern state, as cops were posted near places of worship to avoid any untoward incident.
In Madurai, members of TMMK hoisted black flags near mosques and downed shutters of shops in select pockets at Malapalayam near Tirunelveli. Black banners were also seen across the streets in Muslim dominated areas with posters demanding reconstruction of the Masjid at Ayodhya.
