The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : ‘Black day’ passes off peacefully

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Friday, Dec 07, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

‘Black day’ passes off peacefully

Staff Reporter

DJS rally loses vigour as number of participants dwindle

-Photo: Mohd.Yousuf

In Harmony: A child playing with pigeons that are sign of peace, in city on Thursday.

HYDERABAD: The ‘Black day’ observed in protest against Babri masjid demolition passed off peacefully while the ‘bandh’ call evoked mixed response in the city on Friday.

In the backdrop of terror strikes in the city this year, the police tightened security in the old city by deploying Rapid Action Force and Task Force teams at sensitive places. But no untoward incident was reported anywhere in and around the city.

Except the ‘annual protest rally’ organised by the Dargah Jihad-O-Shahadat (DJS) from DBR Mills to Indira Park, the city did not witness any other procession or demonstration. Even the DJS’ rally lost its vigour as the number of participants dwindled considerably compared to the previous years.

Scathing attack

The DJS founder president Shaik Mahboob Ali, launched a scathing attack on ‘Hindutva fascist forces’ and condemned the Babri masjid demolition with his usual strong words. With growing age affecting his health, Mr. Ali could not even stand to address the tiny gathering of women, children and youngsters.

Sitting in a chair, the old man vowed that his DJS and their committed workers would strive to build Babri mosque where it was demolished. His son Saifullah Khalid also spoke.

The Additional Commissioner of Police N.V. Surendra Babu monitored the situation by camping at the Charminar ACP office. The attendance of ‘namajis’ at the Mecca mosque for noon prayers was far below than usual. Though some attributed this to the forcible diversion of the namajis to other mosques by the police, the latter condemned the allegation.

The ‘bandh’ was successful in central parts of old city with all shops and business establishments on Falaknuma-Charminar-

Afzalgunj closed till evening. However, the bandh call had absolutely no affect in other parts of the city.

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