STATEMENTS BY MINISTERS

(i) Bomb exploison In a mosque In Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh [English]

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI M.M.

JACOB): Sir, According to the report received from the Government of Uttar Pradesh, the District Magistrate, Faizabad has informed U.P.

Government on phone that in the morning of 31st March, 1992, around 4.45 A.M., a bomb exploded in an old mosque in Mohalla Kasai Bara in Faizabad city which was under renovation. The bomb explosion caused a hole in a wall in the rear part of the Mosque and cracks in the root and other walls of the mosque, as well as cracks in three adjoining houses. Two persons sustained minor injuries; they were discharged from hospital after being given them first aid treatment.

577 Statt. by Minister

Progress of investigation into

The DM has informed that in this regard a case is being registered. It is not possible at this stage to indicate whether the bomb was hurled by some person or it had been planted in the mosque before the incident took place. The hand of terrorists does not seem to be involved but it appears to be the work of some mischievous elements.

Immediately after the incident, there was some resentment among a section of the people and they demanded that the culprits be apprehended immediately.

The District Administration is fully alert, and patrolling by the Magistrate and police is being undertaken.

The District Magistrate, Faizabad has also stated that 60-65 persons offered prayers as usual in the mosque after the bomb explosion. There does not seem to be visible communal tension over the incident. The District Administration has also assured to the local public that it will identify the culprits and take strict action against them. Meanwhile, action is being taken to repair the damages caused to the mosque in consultation with the management of the mosque.