Ayodhya slow on dig, high on drama

‘‘The ASI team has videographed the mouse-shaped stone and the pot before sealing them. On an average, each trench which is being excavated has been dug up by nine to 12 centimeters,’’ said Ranjit Lal Verma, counsel for the Digambar Akhada, party to the title suit pending in the court since 1949.

The ASI has been directed by the high court to submit an interim report on the progress of the excavation job on March 24.

While the excavation is progressing at snail’s pace, Karsewakpuram, the epicentre of the VHP’s activities in Ayodhya, continues to be buzzing with activity. VHP working president Ashok Singhal is reaching here tomorrow along with Paramhans Ramchandra, the president of Shri Ramjanmabhoomi Nyas, who has been touring the country.

‘‘Why Singhal is coming to Ayodhya is not known but then he has been coming here on regular intervals. The only novelty about his visit is that he is coming for the first time since the excavation started at the disputed place,’’ VHP’s media incharge in Ayodhya Sharad Sharma told The Indian Express.

Meanwhile, the Faizabad administration today arrested Magsaysay award-winner Sandeep Pandey following apprehension on a possible breach in peace because he sat on a dharna demanding that politics be kept out of the Ayodhya imbroglio.

Counsel for the Sunni Central board of Waqfs Zafaryab Jilani has raised a strong objection over anyone entering the disputed premises while raising pro-temple or pro-mosque slogans. ‘‘We will bring it to the notice of the court and offenders should be arrested,’’ he said, obviously referring to RSS volunteers who went for darshan while raising pro-temple slogans.