by VIDYA SUBRAHMANIAM
Not just Ayodhya and Faizabad, it was difficult to miss the changed mood as one travelled from Lucknow, Balrampur, Shrawasti, Bahraich, Barabanki and back. Indeed, thanks to the mandate for harmony, there have been heavy turnouts at peace meetings held by the various district administrations. Ayodhya resident Ehsaan Bhai’s house was looted and his neighbour was killed in the post-1992 demolition violence. Today he is an active participant at the peace meetings held by the district administration. His father, Irshad Ali, has been going from house to house, both Hindu and Muslim, canvassing for peace.
Two hundred kilometres away in Balrampur, District Magistrate Surendra Singh asked the locals — Hindus, Muslims as well as politicians — to take a pledge that they will not react to any provocation from outside. His audience instantly agreed.
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(Thanks to Robin Khundkar)