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AYODHYA, INDIA, March 15, 2002: Hindus in India have held a peaceful ceremony in Ayodhya, as a massive security operation largely forestalled a feared eruption in religious violence. The acceptance of the stones by the authorities in Ayodhya today means that the process of establishing the temple here has begun. Up to 3,000 people — the numbers limited by intense government efforts to turn people away from the town — marched towards the disputed area where in 1992 Hindu zealots tore down the 16th century Babri Masjid, built upon the birthplace of Lord Rama. Chanting “Lord Ram, we are coming,” the activists handed the two pieces of stone — part of a temple they want to build on the site — to a local civic leader. But the ritual, which passed off without incident, was held outside the disputed area from which all religious activity was barred by a Supreme Court order on Wednesday. But authorities took no chances, arresting at least 35,000 people across the country to prevent any renewed outbreaks of Hindu-Muslim violence. Activists of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) did not try and break through to the site, despite earlier warnings that they would defy the ban. The VHP initially pledged to begin construction of the temple on Friday, but leaders said the compromise ceremony was the first step. “The acceptance of the stones by the authorities in Ayodhya today means that the process of establishing the temple here has begun,” VHP General Secretary Praveen Togadia told reporters in New Delhi.

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