U.P. Govt. can't decide on Ram temple: Rajnath

FAIZABAD, DEC. 3. The Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Mr. Rajnath Singh, today said the temple issue in Ayodhya was an issue of national importance and his Government was not in a position to take any stand to resolve the issue unilaterally.

``The disputed land in question had already been acquired by the Centre and all the related issues were pending before the court and as such the State Government cannot take any stand on it,'' Mr. Singh told reporters here.

The Government was taking all necessary security measures to maintain peace on December 6, the ninth anniversary of demolition of the disputed structure in Ayodhya, he said.

When asked about the Government's response in case the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) went ahead with its programme of temple construction in Ayodhya, Mr. Singh said ``just wait''.

The issue was of cultural and national importance and should not be associated with elections.

Earlier inaugurating a special website on Ayodhya, Mr. Singh said through such initiatives, the whole world would be able to know about the mythological, cultural and spiritual importance of the temple town of Ayodhya.

The need was being felt to create Ayodhya as a ``spiritual centre''. He announced Rs. 11 lakh for the Ayodhya fund - part of the website meant for the development of the town.

- PTI, UNI

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