Ayodhya, Oct 14: In a rebuff to VHP, the Mahant of Hanuman Garhi temple and state president of Sri Ram Janmbhoomi temple reconstruction Samiti Gyan Das today took a round of the Muslim-dominated areas and assured the minorities about their safety and security during the proposed VHP's programme on October 17. Terming the October 17 programme purely a political one, Mahant Gyan Das alleged that Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vjapayee had 'extended moral support' to VHP through his statement given in New Delhi two days ago that VHP should be trusted in their claim that October 17 programme would be peaceful.

The mahant, accompanised by senior Muslim leaders and other mahants, started the padyatra from the house of Haji Hashim Ansari, main plaintiff in Ayodhya case in Kaziana locality and passed through Gadiwantola, Begumpura and Nazarbagh and assured the Muslims.
Das said that he undertook the padyatra on the directions of the head priest of Hanumangharhi temple, Mahant Ramesh Das, and alleged that the VHP was trying to gain political mileage by organising the programme.

Meanwhile, former MP and CPI(M) leader Subhashini Ali visited several Muslims dominated locality today accompanied by former BJP MP Mahant Vishwanath Das Shastri here.
Bureau Report