LUCKNOW, Dec 5: Security was tightened on Sunday in the northern Indian town of Ayodhya a day before the anniversary of the 1992 demolition of a mosque that sparked bloody riots between Hindus and Muslims, an official said.

Ayodhya's superintendent of police, S.S. Baghel said more security personnel had been deployed near the site, hotly disputed by Hindus and Muslims for decades. The town's 16th century Babri mosque was torn down by Hindu zealots on Dec 6, 1992, sparking worst nation wide riots since 1947 that left about 2,000 people, mostly Muslim, dead.

Hindu activists allege the mosque was built by Muslim rulers after they tore down a temple marking the birthplace of Ram. The dispute is now before the courts. Another senior police official, Binod Kumar Singh told AFP that since 1992 both the Hindus and Muslims had organized separate programmes to mark the anniversary.

Hindus commemorate the day as 'Valour Day' while the Muslims mourn it as 'Black Day', he said. "As of now there is no conflict... there is no tension. But we have taken all precautions and are cautious," Mr Singh said.

The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (World Hindu Council) and the Shiv Sena (Army of Shiva), both fanatic Hindu groups, are reported to have planned meetings at the temple town on Monday.

Meanwhile, authorities sealed off Ayodhya on Sunday to prevent a rally by Hindu hard liners to mark the demolition of the Babri mosque. Hundreds of soldiers stood guard at the disputed site in northern Ayodhya. -Agencies