NEW DELHI: Indian authorities have ordered a large scale deployment of armed forces in U.P. as the Hindu fundamentalists deadline of December 6 draws near. The R.S.S B.J.P and Vishva Hindu Parishad have threatened on that day to demolish the Babri Masjid at Ayodhia and to build in its place a shrine to be known as Ram Mandir. Defence Minister Sharad Pawar is reported to be preparing the ground to ensure that maximum forces are concentrated in U.P. as communal situation is deteriorating in that region. India may have to use the forces to prevent the fundamentalist’s plans at Ayodhia as also to preempt communal clashes in other towns of U.P. Pawar is in constant touch with Punjab chief minister and is persuading him to manage things in his state with reduced strength of armed forces. But Beant Singh is resisting any reduction at this stage. It appears India will have to ignore Beants pleas because the signals from U.P. are said to be quite dangerous.
Article extracted from this publication >> November 27, 1992
