October 17, 2003 

Press Statement 

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement: 

Ayodhya :  Peace  Maintained 

The firm stand taken by the Uttar Pradesh government has enabled the situation in Ayodhya and the entire state to remain peaceful in the wake of the  threatened programme on October 17 by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad.

The VHP-RSS leadership refused to accept the offer of the UP Chief Minister  to hold the rally five kilometers away from the acquired site at Ayodhya.  By doing so, the VHP exposed its intention to create trouble.  The measures taken by the administration have foiled their plans.   The people of UP have clearly  indicated their disapproval of the provocative stance of the communal forces.